DiBella (1995) identified three orientations in the literature that relate to
how learning organizations can be achieved. The first is the normative
orientation that views learning as happening only under certain conditions. In
this orientation, a learning organization is determined by an internal set of
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188 Kontoghiorghes, Awbrey, Feurig
conditions that ensure learning and are intentionally pursued. The second
orientation is developmental. It views learning organizations as developing and
evolving over time. DiBella also identified a third orientation, capability, which
views all learning styles as legitimate and does not prescribe learning organization
characteristics. It views learning as embedded in the culture and
structure of the organization.