Attention, knowledge, and organizational learning

In this chapter, we develop a theoretical framework of an attention-based view of organizational learning. Specifically, we explain how the three pillars of Ocasio's (1997, 2011) attention-based view-focus of attention (and its subnotions of executive attention and attentional vigilance), situated attention, and structural distribution of attention-are relevant for three main outcomes of organizational learning: Knowledge creation, retention, and transfer. We also discuss how attention interacts with other well- known learning mechanisms, such as performance feedback, capabilities, trust, and experience, and when and how attention either amplifies or negates their effectiveness for learning. We conclude with an evaluation of the attention-based view of organizational learning and suggestions for future research.