Purpose: Analysis of learning strategies in an organisation using the Balanced Scorecard based on theory about reflective learning and external constraints on learning.Design, methodology, approach: Empirical data from a case study of a Bank comprising 40 qualitative interviews, eight two-day focus groups and attendance at 35 learning activities. Grounded theory was used to understand how the organisational strategy and the understanding of employees about learning activities at work were consistent or contradictory. Additionally we analysed 2284 registered learning activities recorded by Bank employees on a Balanced Scorecard. Findings: The top-down strategy for learning -"Best Customer Practice" -recording information about and accounting for learning, when combined with a new institutional demand for authorization and training -has a controlling function that contradicts the organisation's own rhetoric about promoting reflective learning among the employees. Research implications: Top-down learning strategies reduce the employees' possibilities to contribute with reflective learning in organisational development. Practical: Employees are motivated by feedback from their customers. Social: Learning strategies in a financial organisation promote top-management control and constraint the employees' possibilities to contribute with quality assurance and new ideas about their work. Originality / value: Reveals how top-management control influences advisors' learning in a financial organisation.