Puzzles in organizational learning: An exercise in disciplined imagination

Theory construction is in part an exercise in ‘disciplined imagination’. One way to discipline our imaginations around the topic of organizational learning is to pay special attention to things we forget, values we slight, goals we neglect, facts we avoid and questions we fear. Each aspect of this framework is explored in the paper through a variety of stories and examples. These include Charles Handy's first job, fighting fires, medical diagnosis, Winston Churchill's reflections on the fall of Singapore and the identification of dangerous viruses. These rich and evocative stories offer moments for reflection on underlying issues involved in sense-making, and provide the reader with insights into the relationship between leadership and learning.