Organizational Learning: The Role of the Physical Environment

This paper examines the role of the physical environment in facilitating organizational learning. Semi-structured interviews related to learning and experiences of physical environment were conducted in two organizations in India. Workspaces were studied using non-participant observation. Cognitive maps of the layouts were created and movements in the workspaces mapped. Content analysis was performed on interview responses, and space syntax analysis was used to analyse maps of the workspaces. Findings suggest that knowledge in organizations is transformed through dialogue and discussion. Relationships, supportive leadership, culture, organizational strategy, and physical environment were found to play a key role in facilitating this process. The physical environment afforded co-presence, movement, and encounter. These features were found to contribute to interaction that facilitated dialogue, and thereby transformation of knowledge. This paper highlights the importance of physical design and provides areas of concrete intervention, allowing for facilitation of learning based on the physical dimension of the learning context.