HOSPITALS AS LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS: AN EXPLICATION THROUGH A SYSTEMS MODEL

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to offer an application of a systems model for Senge's five disciplines in hospitals. The paper utilizes a conceptual framework for the analysis of antecedents and outcomes of Senge's five disciplines, focusing on specific factors unique to the hospitals. The explication of the model will manifest its relevance and applicability for the healthcare sector: it will represent how hospitals will operate as learning organizations. It will also posit the anticipated interactions among specific constructs associated with Senge's five disciplines within the health-care sector. The paper will manifest a causal model that links variables in the learning organization, a perspective that would be instrumental for health-care organizations to achieve competitive advantage. The paper will provide added value both for academics and executives interested in the analysis of the complexity of Senge's five disciplines for health-care organizations.