Baha'i community of Singapore as a learning organization.

Abstract

Increased complexity and accelerated change have uncovered limitations of the machine model for managing organizations. The model of a learning organization is increasingly being applied to modern organizations. Secular organizations have invested in clarifying the principles and establishing best practices to build a viable learning organization. Review of the literature showed that these principles and practices resonate with those of the Baha'i Faith. However, there has been a lack of research addressing whether a religious community like the Baha'i community could benefit from learning how to use these management tools effectively and efficiently to sustain and grow their organization. The researcher found the Baha'i community of Singapore to possess the key characteristics of a learning organization and the five core disciplines provided a valid and relialbe framework for benchmarking its relative strengths and weaknesses. Gaps between theory and practice were highlighted and relevant solutions culled from the literature were recommended for improving the functioning and performance of the community in terms of sustainability and growth.