Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine a set of practices that can help promote self-directed learning (SDL) in congruence with the goals of developing and maintaining a learning organization. Design/methodology/approach Findings from this study were derived from an extensive review of the SDL and the learning organization literature, as well as the body of research that examines the connections between the two constructs. Findings: This paper identifies the following set of practices as integral to promoting SDL in a learning organization: building and communicating a shared vision to employees at all levels; fostering collaboration, interaction and teamwork; empowering employees through participatory work practices; encouraging and providing opportunities for continuous learning; and using relevant technologies in the workplace. Originality/value: This paper addresses the paucity of research that investigates the connections between SDL and the learning organization and that specifically examines important practices "vis-à-vis" the two concepts.