The Next Next Common Sense
Double-loop learning examines the standards themselves, asking "Are we doing the right things?" This feedback helps organizations adapt their approaches based on changing circumstances, modifying goals and methods as contexts evolve. Triple-loop learning explores the fundamental assumptions behind standards, asking "How do we decide what's right?" This feedback helps or- ganizations transform their understanding of the situation entirely, some- times leading to paradigm shifts in how they approach their environment. Technology company Intel demonstrates these distinctions in its approach to manufacturing excellence. Single-loop feedback optimizes current production processes. Double-loop feedback questions whether current manufacturing approaches remain appropriate as technology evolves. Triple-loop feedback examines fundamental assumptions about Intel's role in the computing ecosystem, potentially transforming its entire business model. Complexity mastery requires all three loops, but organizations often over-emphasize single-loop feedback while neglecting the deeper forms that enable more fundamental adaptation. Effective measurement systems should explicitly design for all three types. CFeoendcbreatcekEMxeacmhpalneissmof sEffective
To illustrate how organizations implement effective feedback loops in practice, let's examine specific mechanisms that exemplify each type of learning:
Single-Loop Feedback Mechanisms
Microsoft's Daily Build Process
• What it is : Every day, all software code is compiled into a com- plete build, with automated tests revealing any integration issues.
335
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease