Purpose and Principles
Purpose of SoL
SoL is a global learning community dedicated to building knowledge about fundamental institutional change. We aim to help build organizations worthy of people's fullest commitment, and are committed to any institution and individual that is committed to SoL's purpose and principles. To meet this goal, we discover, integrate, and implement theories and practices for the interdependent development of people and their institutions.
Guiding Principles of SoL
- Drive to Learn - All human beings are born with an innate, lifelong desire and ability to learn, which should be enhanced by all organizations.
- Learning is Social - People learn best from and with one another, and participation in learning communities is vital to their effectiveness, well-being and happiness in any work setting.
- Learning Communities - The capacities and accomplishments of organizations are inseparable from, and dependent on, the capacities of the learning communities which they foster.
- Aligning with Nature - It is essential that organizations evolve to be in greater harmony with human nature and with the natural world.
- Core Learning Capabilities - Organizations must develop individual and collective capabilities to understand complex, interdependent issues; engage in reflective, generative conversation; and nurture personal and shared aspirations.
- Cross-Organizational Collaboration - Learning communities that connect multiple organizations can significantly enhance the capacity for profound individual and organizational change.
Ideals of the SoL Community
- Subsidiarity - Make no decision and perform no function at a higher or more central level than can be accomplished at a more local level.
- Inclusiveness - Conduct all deliberations and make all decisions by bodies and methods which reasonably represent all relevant and affected parties.
- Shared Responsibility - Advance the Purpose in accordance with these Principles in ways which enhance the capacity of the community as a whole, as well as that of each member.
- Openness - Transcend institutional and intellectual boundaries and roles that limit or diminish learning.
- Adaptive Governance - Continually conceive, implement, and practice governance concepts and processes which encourage adaptability, diversity, flexibility, and innovation.
- Intellectual Output - Use research generated by the community in ways that most benefit society.
- Acknowledgment - Openly and fairly acknowledge intellectual contributions to Concepts, Theories, and Practices, both from within and from outside the community.
- Participation & Quality - Contribute to and/or participate in research, capacity building, and practice, striving for the highest standards of quality.