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Doing Things Right

Chris Argyris coined the terms "single loop learning" and "double loop learning" to describe two types of learning. Single loop learning is like a thermostat that simply turns on or off, while double loop learning questions why and considers the environment to make wiser decisions. Single loop learning just solves problems within the existing system, while double loop learning questions underlying assumptions and uses feedback to reexamine views. Double loop learning involves asking "whys" to get to the root cause of problems, and is essential for higher-order problem solving and leadership as it allows changing the rules of the game.

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Bill Paparounis
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41 views

Doing Things Right

Chris Argyris coined the terms "single loop learning" and "double loop learning" to describe two types of learning. Single loop learning is like a thermostat that simply turns on or off, while double loop learning questions why and considers the environment to make wiser decisions. Single loop learning just solves problems within the existing system, while double loop learning questions underlying assumptions and uses feedback to reexamine views. Double loop learning involves asking "whys" to get to the root cause of problems, and is essential for higher-order problem solving and leadership as it allows changing the rules of the game.

Uploaded by

Bill Paparounis
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Doing Things Right vs.

Doing the Right Things


Submitted by Rainer FalleOne Comment | 7,753 views

Chris Argyris coined the terms "Double Loop Learning" and "Single Loop Learning. Single loop learning
has often been compared to a thermostat in that it makes a "decision" to either turn on or off. Double loop
learning is like a thermostat that asks "why" — Is this a good time to switch settings? Are there people in
here? Are they in bed? Are they dressed for a colder setting? — thus it orientates itself to the present
environment in order to make the wisest decision.

Single Loop learning as the most common style of learning is just problem solving – improving the
system as it exists. This type of learning solves problems but ignores the question of why the problem
arose in the first place.
Double-Loop learning involves questioning the
underlying assumptions behind techniques, goals
and values. Double loop learning uses feedback
from past actions to question assumptions
underlying current views.
A person who is double loop learning is asking a
series of "whys" (similar to Sakichi Toyoda’s
technique he called the Five Whys: When
confronted with a problem you ask "why" five
times. By the time the fifth why is answered, you
should be at the root cause of the problem).

This is a skill that is essential for higher-order


problem-solving and leadership. It is the ability to
question and change the rules of a game. It is an
application of Einstein’s dictum:

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