A Framework for Building a Learning Organization through ISO 9000 Requirements

The objective of this paper is to develop a framework that integrates the concepts of organization learning, organization memory/ knowledge management, and total quality management to build an environment and culture of organization learning. The paper starts by describing the different aspects of the learning process, and the definition and requirements of an OM/KM. A model for OM/KM build-up life cycle is constructed that supports different learning methods. The framework is then presented that incorporates all components related to achieving a learning organization. To create learning organization processes, quality teams must be elevated successively to knowledge teams, then to innovation teams through creative thinking practices. This progression is depicted along two dimensions: technology needed to store, distribute, and use of information and knowledge; and data transformations from data to information, to knowledge, to intelligent, and eventually to innovation. Finally, the article provides recommendations to supplement the ISO9000 documentation that would assist in building a learning organization.