Emergent learning practices in globalizing work: The case of a Finnish‐Chinese project in a Finnish technology consulting firm

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to analyze emergent learning practices for globalizing work through two research questions: “What are the conceptualizations of work represented by the Virtual Factory and how do they mediate globalizing work?” and “What is the potential of expansive learning efforts to expand conceptualizations towards the emergent learning practices of globalizing work?”.

Design/methodology/approach

Cultural‐historical activity theory is applied, specifically the historical tool‐mediated activity, concept formation and the zone of proximal development. A dynamic hierarchy of conceptualizations forms the framework for expansive learning efforts. Data were gathered by ethnographic and development interventionist methods from a distributed engineering design project.

Findings

The paper finds that, historically, multi‐layered conceptualizations of work face developmental challenges in globalizing work. Expansive learning efforts enhance the emergent learning practices when orienting global participants to motivating “why” and “where‐to” conceptualizations. In order to turn emergent practices into sustainable learning practices, material representations need to be created to mediate the bottom‐up and top‐down conceptualizations at the interfaces of distributed work.

Research limitations/implications

Emergent learning practices are studied longitudinally through concrete work in transformation. The learning approach emphasizes developmental interventions at global workplaces.

Practical implications

Expansive learning efforts at different levels of conceptualization, may be supported by tools that mediate and sustain emergent learning practices.

Social implications

Global workplace learning should be a concern of those involved with corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

Emergent learning practices offers a new approach for studies of globalizing work through its multi‐layered conceptualizations of work.

Citation

Toiviainen, H., Lallimo, J. and Hong, J. (2012), "Emergent learning practices in globalizing work: The case of a Finnish‐Chinese project in a Finnish technology consulting firm", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 24 No. 7/8, pp. 509-527. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665621211261016