HistCite - node 37: LEARNING THROUGH FAILURE - THE STRATEGY OF SMALL LOSSES

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Author(s)	SITKIN SB
Title	LEARNING THROUGH FAILURE - THE STRATEGY OF SMALL LOSSES
Source	RESEARCH IN ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 14:231-266
Date	1992
Type	Journal : Review
LCR: 1 NCR: 113 LCS: 2 GCS: 90
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Address
Abstract	This paper concerns the benefits of failing and the liabilities of success and, contrary to the traditional scholarly and managerial emphasis on failure avoidance, argues that failure is an essential prerequisite for effective organizational learning and adaptation. Recent research is drawn on to examine the processes by which failure can enhance learning, adaptation to changing environmental conditions, and systemic resilience when confronting unknown future changes. A conceptual foundation for future empirical research is proposed that distinguishes the critical characteristics of failures that are hypothesized to foster organizational learning. Designs for systemic failure promotion in organizations are conceptualized and illustrated by application to three important organizational concerns-innovation, safety and security, and mergers and acquisitions.
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