SOL, Society for Organisational Learning
The purpose of SoL is to discover, integrate and implement theories and practices for the interdependent, transformative development of people and their institutions.
SoL was developed in the mid 90s as an offspring of OLC, Sloan School of Management, at MIT, USA, Boston-Cambridge.
It was inspired by the seminal management ‘guru’, Peter Senge and his book: The 5th Discipline and also by Dee Hock and his ideas on Chaordic organisations.
Later in 2010-2012 The Global network reorganized itself as and Global Association of SoL Communities, as a network of networks with autonomous and self organizing, self transcending foundational knowledge and community capacities.
Guiding Principles of SoL
Drive to Learn – All human beings are born with an innate, lifelong desire and ability to learn, which should be enhanced by all organizations.
Learning is Social – People learn best from and with one another, and participation in learning communities is vital to their effectiveness, well-being and happiness in any work setting.
Learning Communities – The capacities and accomplishments of organizations are inseparable from, and dependent on, the capacities of the learning communities which they foster.
Aligning with Nature – It is essential that organizations evolve to be in greater harmony with human nature and with the natural world.
Core Learning Capabilities – Organizations must develop individual and collective capabilities to understand complex, interdependent issues; engage in reflective, generative conversation; and nurture personal and shared aspirations.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration – Learning communities that connect multiple organizations can significantly enhance their capacity for profound individual and organizational change.
Ideals of the SoL Community – Our Commitments to Each Other
Subsidiarity – Make no decision and perform no function at a higher or more central level than can be accomplished at a more local level.
Inclusiveness – Conduct all deliberations and make all decisions by bodies and methods which reasonably represent all relevant and affected parties.
Shared Responsibility – Advance the Purpose in accordance with these Principles in ways which enhance the capacity of the community as a whole, as well as that of each member.
Openness – Transcend institutional and intellectual boundaries and roles that limit or diminish learning.
Adaptive Governance – Continually conceive, implement, and practice governance concepts and processes which encourage adaptability, diversity, flexibility, and innovation.
Intellectual Output – Use research generated by the community in ways that most benefit society.
Acknowledgment – Openly and fairly acknowledge intellectual contributions to Concepts, Theories, and Practices, both from within and from outside the community.
Participation & Quality – Contribute to and/or participate in research, capacity building, and practice, striving for the highest standards of quality.