Abstract

Storytelling is becoming increasingly influential across various domains, particularly in executive education and leadership development, where it plays a crucial role in the concept of leadership as performance (Gonzalez & Chakraborty, 2012). Storytelling in the classroom setting provides an opportunity for learners to embed elements of narrative and identity in classroom pedagogy (Edwards et al., 2013). In the professional context, employees construct meaning in their workplace by hearing and/or participating in stories (Echeverria et al., 2017).

This qualitative exploratory study investigates the influence of storytelling in driving organizational learning. The research focuses on the U.S. Big Technology (Tech) sector, home to leading companies that shape multiple facets of modern life through technological innovation and strategic market presence. The study aims to uncover how leaders within these organizations leverage storytelling to advance organizational learning.

A thorough exploration of the existing literature revealed Senge’s (2006) Five Disciplines of Learning Organizations model as the guiding theoretical framework for this research. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis methodology guided the examination of data drawn from openly available scholarly publications, websites, blogs, social media, and educational resources. This six-step methodology was employed to organize data sources, identify emerging patterns, and interpret key themes. The insights and findings from this study aim to provide Big Tech leaders with valuable strategies for enhancing and accelerating organizational learning within their companies.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Organizational learning; Leadership; Communication in organizations; High technology industries—United States

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Laura Hyatt

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