A learning organisation : KPMG as a case study

Abstract

Organisations operating in this fast changing competitive environment, require, a competitive advantage over the others. Every company today needs to differentiate itself from its competition, communicating its differentiators to its present and potential clients. One successful way in which an organisation may achieve competitive advantage is by transforming itself into a learning organism whereby it allows continuous development within the firm and amongst its people. A happy worker performs well and with a genuine urge to succeed within the firm. Having a company invest in becoming a learning organisation means having a company fully equipped with motivated employees who want the company, from which they are achieving their knowledge and expertise to succeed, thus encouraging them to excel in their performance. This qualitative study examines KPMG in Malta as a learning organisation, highlighting any inhibiting factors and enabling strengths. The study is built on Peter Senge's five learning disciplines being; shared vision, mental models, personal mastery, team learning and systems thinking, together with Mason's (1993) ten phases which he discusses as being the phases a learning organisation should go through while on its journey in becoming a learning organism. KPMG in Malta states that it is a learning organisation embracing teamwork and a place in which each employee can flourish and grow while achieving his or her career goals, together with those of the organisation. My findings highlight that KPMG in Malta embraces all the five learning disciplines, however two of them are not as stable as the others. In addition to this, the firm has all the ten phases put forward by Mason in place as an ongoing process. The top management at KPMG in Malta look at its staff as the means of success to the business, thus equip them with the right skills and expertise. The company's greatest investment is in training and learning and development, in giving its workforce a sense of belonging to the company and a sense of worth and not being just a number. KPMG in Malta believes highly in its employees' potential and ideas, and so encourages them to put forward any ideas for the further development of the business.