Investigating Learning Organisation Metaphor Application in Enabling the Local Municipality to Improve Service Delivery to its Communities. A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

This theoretical research explores the potential of applying the learning organisation metaphor within the context of a local municipality to enhance service delivery to its communities. The study examines the implications of embracing Senge\'s disciplines, namely personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking, for driving a transformation toward a learning organisation. It establishes how the concept of a learning organisation can be understood and applied to facilitate individual, team, and organisational learning within the municipality. By investigating various case studies and examining literature from various authorities, this article also aims to stimulate dialogue among practitioners and scholars on the efficacy of adopting a learning organisation approach within the municipal context, therefore, the grounded theory method was followed to attain the aim. Findings highlight the potential of the learning organisation metaphor as a catalyst for improving service delivery and enhancing community engagement. The limitation of the current study is its focus on a literature review and the study of one local municipality. It is suggested that its implementation warrants further research and practice in the realm of local governance; and that further study could include three or more municipalities located in various provinces within South Africa, using either qualitative, quantitative research methods or the mixed methods approach.