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Teaching to learn in the workplace: Moving from industrial pedagogy to andragogical gemba

Rhys Rowland‐Jones (School of Management and Languages, Heriot Watt University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences

ISSN: 1756-669X

Article publication date: 23 November 2012

995

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a rationale for the epistemological and ontological development of total quality management (TQM) utilising action modalities. The ability to harness and transfer knowledge is a key attribute of research‐led universities, and a factor which is able to bring education and industry into cooperative relationships. However, Imai views that there is a tendency to place too much emphasis on teaching knowledge, whilst disregarding group learning of fundamental values, established through gemba kaizen and through the learning organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Established through the results of a survey of 50 manufacturing companies in the UAE, and based on the andragogical learning concept in both solving a problem and generating new knowledge, this paper investigates a conceptual basis for action learning. The paper offers a rationale for the epistemological and ontological development of total quality management (TQM) utilising action modalities. This reflects the underpinning philosophy of TQM toward the continuous improvement in quality of the organisations' processes, people, products, and services.

Findings

The findings of the construct of andragogical gemba establish the robustness of the methodological move from pedagogy to andragogy. The applicability of andragogical gemba being underpinned by the required interaction of democracy and collaboration. The survey of UAE SMEs confirms a lack of engagement within this concept, and recommendations are given to support development.

Originality/value

The paper has been developed within Dubai's socio economic mix, Dubai being a constituent Emirate within a Country where expatriates form approximately 93 per cent of the total workforce population. The transient nature of the workforce produces pressures on the learning organisation, and the context of knowledge transfer and creation.

Keywords

Citation

Rowland‐Jones, R. (2012), "Teaching to learn in the workplace: Moving from industrial pedagogy to andragogical gemba", International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 364-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/17566691211288340

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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