The 360 Degree Learning Agility: New Concept to Increase Followership-Based Knowledge Creation in Learning Organization

Abstract:

Today, the study about organizational learning is linked to a leadership style that dominantly centered on a formal leader. It is unrelated to the current dynamic industry, which must be dynamic and flexible, which cannot only rely on its formal leader. All employees must be active, learning-oriented followers. In the organizational learning context, the quality of an interactional relationship, initiative, and learning agility of all individuals play an important role in the knowledge creation process. The role of an active follower is not only to support the learning process and knowledge creation on the organizational level but also to support leadership effectiveness. The followership concept oriented to learning is not only developing individuals but also collaborating and supporting organizational transformation, which its study is still limited. The basis of social exchange refers to the Social Exchange Theory, which puts forward exchanges based on reciprocal interests. Therefore, this paper discusses the novelty concept of 360 Degree Learning Agility which was developed based on the synthesis of leadership theory and learning theory by incorporating Islamic values. This concept is expected to enrich the study of leadership effectiveness in creating knowledge in learning organizations. The author offers several propositions and conceptual models that need to be tested for validity in future research based on the literature review.