Praxis Paper 3

Organisational Learning in NGOs: Creating the Motive, Means and Opportunity

by Bruce Britton (available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian)

"A successful combination of practical experiences from the field and well-chosen data from the literature...an important methodological tool." Bob Diangikulua, Congo

NGOs work in a demanding environment characterised by growing competition for shrinking aid budgets. This makes them very action-oriented. But most NGOs also realise the need to learn from their own experience and keep up with new practices in the field if they are to remain relevant and effective. To be a learning NGO requires organisations to balance the need to take a strategic approach to organisational learning with the recognition that learning is also an intensely personal process that goes on in the minds of individuals.

This Praxis Paper examines why NGOs need to provide the motive, means and opportunity for organisational learning, and introduces practical examples of how pioneering NGOs are doing this. The Paper recognises that learning is understood differently across cultures and contexts but that most current models are based on a Western understanding. There is therefore a need to engage with capacity building practitioners to explore innovative approaches which are relevant, appropriate and accessible across a wide range of cultures and contexts.

PraxisPaper3 08 update.pdf (540Kb)

PraxisPaper3French 08 update.pdf (583Kb)

PraxisPaper3Chinese.pdf (1414Kb)

PraxisPaper3Russian v2.pdf (1291Kb)

PraxisPaper3Spanish.pdf (774Kb)

There is a printed copy of this paper available to buy online for £5.95.