Argyris Double-Loop Learning
Chris Argyris's theory of organizational learning distinguishing between single-loop learning (correcting errors within existing frameworks) and double-loop learning (questioning and modifying underlying assumptions, values, and policies). Published in 'Organizational Learning' (1978, with Donald Schon) and 'On Organizational Learning' (1999).
Argyris Double-Loop Learning is a compliance framework from International with 12 domains and 27 controls that map to 16 other frameworks. The largest domains are Defensive Routines and Learning (5 controls), Theories of Action (4 controls), Behavioural Integrity (3 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (12)
Behavioural Integrity
Continuous Improvement
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ADL-12 | Feedback Loop Closure |
Culture
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ADL-14 | Learning Climate Measurement |
Defensive Routines and Learning
Organizational defensive routines that prevent learning, and practices for overcoming them.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ARGYRIS-BAI | Balancing Advocacy with Inquiry - stating views while genuinely inviting challenge and alternative perspectives |
| ARGYRIS-DR | Organizational Defensive Routines - actions preventing embarrassment or threat that also prevent learning |
| ARGYRIS-LAD | Ladder of Inference - awareness of how people move from data to conclusions, often skipping steps |
| ARGYRIS-LHC | Left-Hand Column Exercise - surfacing what people think but do not say to reveal gaps between espoused and actual |
| ARGYRIS-PIC | Productive Inquiry and Conversation - creating conditions for honest dialogue without defensiveness |
Governance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ADL-15 | Board-Level Double-Loop Review |
Intervention
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ADL-11 | Action Science Intervention Cycle |
Leadership Capability
Learning Loops
The fundamental distinction between levels of organizational learning, from simple error correction to deep assumption questioning.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ARGYRIS-DL | Double-Loop Learning - questioning and modifying underlying assumptions, values, and policies |
| ARGYRIS-SL | Single-Loop Learning - correcting errors within existing governing variables without questioning assumptions |
| ARGYRIS-TL | Triple-Loop Learning - learning about how we learn, transforming the learning system itself |
Learning Maturity
Reasoning Quality
Systemic Diagnosis
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ADL-10 | Organizational Defensive Routine Mapping |
Theories of Action
The distinction between what people say drives their behavior (espoused theory) and what actually drives it (theory-in-use).
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ARGYRIS-ET | Espoused Theory - the theory of action people claim to follow, their stated values and beliefs |
| ARGYRIS-M1 | Model I Behavior - unilateral control, win-lose framing, suppression of negative feelings, defensiveness |
| ARGYRIS-M2 | Model II Behavior - valid information, free and informed choice, internal commitment, bilateral control |
| ARGYRIS-TU | Theory-in-Use - the theory of action actually governing behavior, often unconscious and different from espoused |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Argyris Double-Loop Learning, you already cover:
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance
22%
6 controls mapped
Compare →NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
22%
6 controls mapped
Compare →Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework
22%
6 controls mapped
Compare →+ 13 more: ISO 37000:2021 (22%), ICN Leadership for Change Programme (19%)
See all 16 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 16 other frameworks
What is Argyris Double-Loop Learning and who does it apply to?
Argyris Double-Loop Learning is a compliance framework from International with 12 domains and 27 controls. Chris Argyris's theory of organizational learning distinguishing between single-loop learning (correcting errors within existing frameworks) and double-loop learning (questioning and modifying underlying assumptions, values, and policies). Published in 'Organizational Learning' (1978, with Donald Schon) and 'On Organizational Learning' (1999). 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 27 controls organised across 12 domains. The largest domains are Defensive Routines and Learning (5 controls), Theories of Action (4 controls), Behavioural Integrity (3 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 (22% coverage), NHS Healthcare Leadership Model (22% coverage), Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework (22% 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 27 controls and track your progress.
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