Argyris Double-Loop Learning
Chris Argyris's theory of action: why organizations correct errors within their existing assumptions (single-loop learning) but rarely question the assumptions themselves (double-loop learning), how espoused theories differ from the Model I theory-in-use that produces defensive routines, and how Model II, productive reasoning and action-science interventions build learning that persists. Rebuilt from Argyris's own articles of 1977 to 2002.
Argyris Double-Loop Learning is a compliance framework from International with 5 domains and 20 controls that map to 16 other frameworks. The largest domains are Intervention and education for double-loop learning – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (5 controls), Theories of action: espoused theory, theory-in-use, Model I and Model II – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (5 controls), Organizational defensive routines and learning systems – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (4 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (5)
Intervention and education for double-loop learning – Argyris Double-Loop Learning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| argyris-double-loop-learning::I1 | Use the left-hand column case method |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::I2 | Base leading-learning education on real problems that require action |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::I3 | Work from directly observable data and hold participants causally responsible |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::I4 | Practise redesigning conversations until Model II can be produced |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::I5 | Make reasoning about one's own behaviour a focus of learning and improvement programmes |
Organizational defensive routines and learning systems – Argyris Double-Loop Learning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| argyris-double-loop-learning::D1 | Identify and dismantle organizational defensive routines |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::D2 | Map defensive patterns with action maps |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::D3 | Recognise and address skilled incompetence |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::D4 | Change the learning system, not only the participants of a workshop |
Productive reasoning – Argyris Double-Loop Learning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| argyris-double-loop-learning::R1 | Replace defensive reasoning with productive reasoning |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::R2 | Illustrate and publicly test evaluations and attributions |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::R3 | Use the ladder of inference to expose inferential leaps |
Single-loop and double-loop learning – Argyris Double-Loop Learning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| argyris-double-loop-learning::L1 | Detect and correct errors in routine action (single-loop learning) |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::L2 | Question governing values, norms and objectives (double-loop learning) |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::L3 | Senior leaders model and reward double-loop learning first |
Theories of action: espoused theory, theory-in-use, Model I and Model II – Argyris Double-Loop Learning
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| argyris-double-loop-learning::T1 | Surface the gap between espoused theory and theory-in-use |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::T2 | Diagnose Model I theory-in-use and its consequences |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::T3 | Adopt Model II governing values and action strategies |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::T4 | Combine advocacy with inquiry |
| argyris-double-loop-learning::T5 | Practise the social virtues in their Model II form |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Argyris Double-Loop Learning, you already cover:
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance
13%
6 controls mapped
Compare →NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
13%
6 controls mapped
Compare →Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework
13%
6 controls mapped
Compare →+ 13 more: ISO 37000:2021 (13%), ICN Leadership for Change Programme (11%)
See all 16 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 16 other frameworks
Coverage is not the same as your position
This page shows what Argyris Double-Loop Learning overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.
The Compliance Position Diagnostic, $5,000 fixed, ten business daysWhat is Argyris Double-Loop Learning and who does it apply to?
Argyris Double-Loop Learning is a compliance framework from International with 5 domains and 20 controls. Chris Argyris's theory of action: why organizations correct errors within their existing assumptions (single-loop learning) but rarely question the assumptions themselves (double-loop learning), how espoused theories differ from the Model I theory-in-use that produces defensive routines, and how Model II, productive reasoning and action-science interventions build learning that persists. Rebuilt from Argyris's own articles of 1977 to 2002. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does Argyris Double-Loop Learning actually require?
Argyris Double-Loop Learning has 20 controls organised across 5 domains. The largest domains are Intervention and education for double-loop learning – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (5 controls), Theories of action: espoused theory, theory-in-use, Model I and Model II – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (5 controls), Organizational defensive routines and learning systems – Argyris Double-Loop Learning (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of Argyris Double-Loop Learning do I already cover?
Argyris Double-Loop Learning maps to 16 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance (13% coverage), NHS Healthcare Leadership Model (13% coverage), Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework (13% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I implement Argyris Double-Loop Learning?
Start your Argyris Double-Loop Learning compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Argyris Double-Loop Learning requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 20 controls and track your progress.
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