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Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning pp 1859–1863Cite as

Learning from Failure

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Synonyms

Learning from errors; Organizational learning from error; Organizational learning from failure

Definition

Failure is defined as an outcome that deviates from expected and desired results. Learning from failure describes processes and behaviors through which individuals, groups and organizations gain accurate and useful insights from failures and modify future behaviors, processes, or systems accordingly.

Theoretical Background

The ability to learn from experience is crucial to the performance and well-being of individuals, groups, and organizations. However, research has shown that organizational learning from failure is thwarted by defensive interpersonal cognitions and routines (Argyris 1982), as well as by organizational systems and processes that favor continuity and routine over learning (March and Simon 1958). In short, learning from failure is widely acknowledged as a good idea but is not consistently practiced in most organizations (Baumard and Starbuck 2005).

There...

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Prof. Mark D. Cannon

  2. Harvard University, Soldiers Field, Boston, MA, 02163, USA

    Prof. Amy C. Edmondson

Authors
  1. Prof. Mark D. Cannon
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  2. Prof. Amy C. Edmondson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark D. Cannon .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Education, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Norbert M. Seel

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Cannon, M.D., Edmondson, A.C. (2012). Learning from Failure. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_1756

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_1756

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1427-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1428-6

  • eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law

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