Nursing journal, Vol. 31 No. 1, 2026.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.31.1.2
Learning Organization in Nursing: Application of Peter Senge’s Theory in the Transformation of Professional Practice and Team Culture
Valentina Ješić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7947-5233
; Zavod za anesteziologiju, intenzivnu medicinu i liječenje boli, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Sabina Babić
; Zavod za anesteziologiju, intenzivnu medicinu i liječenje boli, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Nikolina Vratan
; Zavod za anesteziologiju, intenzivnu medicinu i liječenje boli, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction: Healthcare systems in the 21st century are facing major challenges, including population aging, the rise of chronic diseases, workforce shortages, and increasing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In this context, nursing is emerging as a strategic profession capable of initiating transformative change. Peter Senge’s theory of the learning organization provides a framework for fostering continuous learning, teamwork, and systemic thinking within clinical environments.
Methods: This paper employs an analytical-narrative approach based on a structured literature review in the fields of nursing, organizational learning, and knowledge management. The analysis was conducted in four phases: identification of Senge’s five disciplines, their application to nursing practice, exploration of barriers to implementation, and development of practical recommendations for integration into daily clinical work.
Results and Discussion: The theory of the learning organization is based on five disciplines: personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking. Their application in nursing enables the development of reflective practice, professional autonomy, and the strengthening of team collaboration. However, implementation is hindered by hierarchical structures, lack of time, and the so-called culture of error punishment. Concrete recommendations are presented for leadership development, implementation of reflective practice and education, and the creation of a supportive organizational culture.
Conclusion: Nursing has the potential to lead the development of learning organizations within healthcare systems. Applying Senge’s theory offers a path toward resilient, knowledge-driven, and ethically grounded nursing practice. Successful implementation requires organizational support, cultural change, and investment in educational infrastructure that values shared learning and continuous improvement.
Ključne riječi
learning organization; nursing; Peter Senge; professional development
Hrčak ID:
346136
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.4.2026.
Posjeta: 225 *