Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight challenges regarding methodological approach in studying learning organizations as well as the following content related issues--knowledge harvesting in project work, role of middle managers in creating energized learning environment, structuring individual activities to promote learning, impact of context-related factors (spaces of performance) and content-related factors (storytelling) on learning in higher education and diverging assessments of learning organizations with regard to hierarchy and organizational size. Design/methodology/approach: Conclusions and models presented in the paper have been designed based on the systems perspective, critical thinking and critical review of previous contributions. Findings: Findings refer to suggestions regarding further empirical work based on solid normative contributions in the field of learning organizations in general and its specific topics such as learning in project work, organizational design, role of middle managers, learning organization perceptions and learning challenges in higher education. Research limitations/implications: Conclusions and models provided in the paper need further empirical testing and validation. Practical implications: Implications for practitioners have been identified in terms of recommendations regarding possible methodological approaches in further studies of learning organizations, as well as regarding the following areas--knowledge creation cycle, structuring of individual activities to promote learning, role of middle managers in creating energized learning environment, learning challenges in higher education and divergent assessments of learning organizations regarding organizational hierarchy and size. Originality/value: Contributions from previous authors have been systemically and critically reviewed, adapted models have been provided and suggestions for practitioners in this regard have been offered.