and require little interpretation. What is needed to perform tasks is know-how; learning takes place through
generalized learning and development training with the help of how-to guides. Evaluation and other reports can
help as well. However, the network and competence models call for much higher levels of judgment and depend
on deeper understanding and insight as well as an ability to improvise. Work on policies, strategies, programs,
and projects fits in these domains.
Idealism and Reality
Without denigrating concepts of systemic thinking—since a better appreciation of the whole and the
interrelationship between the parts will lead to more pertinent action—development agencies have a long way
to go before they reach the ideal of learning organizations. Table 2 segregates dimensions of the learning
organization based on Peter Senge’s ideal and the reality in the field mainly from a technicist perspective.