Week 6 Discussion Response- Improving Business Performance

Improving Business Performance

Week 6 Learning Resources

Mental Models

Using these resources, you will investigate the subject of mental models. Have you ever asked, “Why do we do it this way?” only to be told, “Because we have always done it this way”? That response is an example of a mental model in business. Mental models are deeply engrained images or ideas of how organizations function, and they can limit or exclude new ways of thinking or acting.

· Garrity, E. J. (2018).  Using systems thinking to understand and enlarge mental models: Helping the transition to a sustainable worldLinks to an external site. .  Systems,  6(2), 15–31. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6020015

· Senge, P. M. (2006). Mental models. In  The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization (pp. 129–162). Doubleday.

· Yang, M. M., Yang, F., Cui, T., & Cheng, Y.-C. (2019).  Analysing the dynamics of mental models using causal loop diagramsLinks to an external site. .  Australian Journal of Management,  44(3), 495–512. https://doi.org/10.1177/0312896218823831

Building a Shared Vision

Through these resources, you will explore the topic of shared vision. The practice of shared vision moves a simple idea to a focused plan. The support of others can transform an abstraction into a common aspiration. Having a shared vision is instrumental for an organization, as it provides focus and energy toward a common goal or objective.

· Battilana, J., & Casciaro, T. (2013, July–August).  The network secrets of great change agents .  Harvard Business Review,  91(7–8), 62–68.

· Fang, Y., Francis, B., & Hasan, I. (2018, April 10).  Research: CEOs with diverse networks create higher firm value .  Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–5.

· Senge, P. M. (2006). Shared visions. In  The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization (pp. 191–215). Doubleday.

· Yang, T.-K., & Yan, M.-R. (2020).  The corporate shared value for sustainable development: An ecosystem perspectiveLinks to an external site. .  Sustainability,  12(6), 2348–2364. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062348

Team Learning

Using these resources, you will explore the idea of team learning. While individuals may work hard toward a common goal, if the team effort is nonexistent, then it is likely you will have a disorganized and unfocused group that will expend a significant amount of wasted energy. In contrast, team learning produces extraordinary results through shared and coordinated efforts. It can be said that the discipline of team learning begins with dialogue—from the ancient Greek word  dialogos—the free flow of information through group conversation.

· Bui, H., & Baruch, Y. (2010).  Creating learning organizations: A systems perspectiveLinks to an external site. .  The Learning Organization,  17(3), 208–227. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696471011034919

· Daniels, S. E., & Walker, G. B. (2012).  Lessons from the trenches: Twenty years of using systems thinking in natural resource conflict situationsLinks to an external site. .  Systems Research and Behavioral Science,  29(2), 104–115. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.2100

· Kautt, G. G. (2010, May).  Learning centersLinks to an external site. .  Financial Planning,  40(5), 31–32.

· Senge, P. M. (2006). Team learning. In  The fifth discipline: The art & practice of the learning organization (pp. 216–252). Doubleday.

Important Documents and Resources for the Week

Moon, Y., & Quelch, J. (2018).  Starbucks: Delivering customer service . HBS Case 9-504-016. Harvard Business School Publishing. http://hbr.org Note: This resource will be used for this week’s Assignment.