Linguistic modifiers and the construction of concept meaning

This chapter offers a linguistic analysis of the term “learning organization” on the basis of an exposition of foundational concepts about the relationship between form and meaning in language. “Organization” is derived from the verb “to organize,” referring to the result of the activity or organizing, in the first instance of organic and physical objects, but becomes polysemous when extended semantically to abstract organization, and ultimately to the social meaning of an organized body of people with a particular purpose, such as a business. “Learning” is derived from the verb “to learn,” and signals an incomplete, ongoing process of learning. In combination, the multiword phrase “learning organization” refers to a social collective of people who form an organization with a particular purpose, and which is moreover engaged in ongoing learning. The organization is construed through metaphorical extension as a person, and hence has the ability to learn.