Learning in New Technology Development Teams

1 June 1989

journal article
Published by Wiley in Journal of Product Innovation Management

Vol. 6 (2) , 79-88
https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-5885.620079

Abstract

One factor that may distinguish effective new product development teams from ineffective ones is the ability to learn in purposeful and cumulative ways. History can sometimes teach important lessons, yet history is not always transmitted efficiently within organizations. Patricia Meyers and David Wilemon present a study of new product development teams' learning in technology‐based organizations. They note especially the learning modes employed by teams, the conditions blocking team learning which create errors and the learning transfer among teams. Using findings from previous and current research, the authors establish the importance of effective team learning whenever teams are asked to deal with complex new product development challenges. Further, they suggest ways to create a productive learning climate for new product teams and close with a discussion of both managerial implications and suggestions for further research.

Keywords

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:

Learning structures for top management
Human Systems Management, 1986
The new product learning cycle
Research Policy, 1985
Organizational Learning
Academy of Management Review, 1985
Action Learning: A Holographic Metaphor for Guiding Social Change
Human Relations, 1984
A TYPOLOGY OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING SYSTEMS
Journal of Management Studies, 1983
Birth of an Organization: The Economic Cooperation Administration
Public Administration Review, 1953