SCHOOLS AS LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS: CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES IN MALAYSIA

The concept of a Learning Organization was pioneered as early as the 1960s and gained significant popularity in the 1990s with the publication of Peter Senge's book The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. The impact and importance of Learning Organizations have been widely acknowledged, with Learning Organizations being recognized as a crucial strategy for organizations to address challenges and competition by enhancing the knowledge and skills of their employees. In this context, skills are viewed as a strategic resource for the organization. In the Malaysian education system, Learning Organizations are emphasized to improve the quality of teachers and students, as well as enhance school performance. To provide a concise and accurate overview, this article outlines and discusses the definition and concept of Learning Organizations within the educational context, the role of Learning Organizations as a strategy for improving quality and effectiveness in schools, and a review of past studies on the practices of Learning Organizations in Malaysia.