Abstract

Organizational growth is a necessity to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic environment. Knowledge and evidence-informed decision making are instrumental in organizational growth; and entails getting focused on important goals, and involving others in achieving them. The present day organization’s initiatives are more complex than in the past, and involve connecting, networking and integrating. The Food Science Graduate Students at the University of Guelph in Canada, were effective as evidence for organizational decision-making in keeping with the values of the Institution. As a practice focus since September 2006, this diverse group has been participating in educational, recreational, social and cultural activities that were strategically designed to be pivotal to active learning toward bridging gaps and extending linkages. Existing knowledge and new knowledge through this exercise were essential to sustain innovation. Taken together, knowledge and evidence-informed decision making are instrumental in bridging gaps and extending linkages for organizational growth. This exercise required long-term commitment and investment, as well as stability and engagement of leadership.