The Effects of Scenario Planning on Participant Perceptions of Learning Organization Characteristics

Scenario planning is often used by organizations to think about future uncertainties. However, what it does in terms of changing perceptions is diffi cult to assess and quantify. To address this need, this article builds on previous studies documenting the effectiveness of scenario planning. Specifi cally, this article contributes to the data on perceptions of learning organization characteristics. This study compiles quantitative data gathered from 133 individuals working in 10 United States companies who participated in scenario planning. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) instrument was used in a pre- and post-test research design and differences were analyzed using a t-test. Results show a positive relationship between scenario planning and improved perceptions of learning organization characteristics for six of the seven dimensions of the DLOQ. Interpretation of the results suggests that scenario planning can change participants’ views of their organizations’ adaptive learning characteristics