Small talk’s big role: How informal learning aids professional development

Abstract

Findings

Intense competition and change are two defining characteristics of today’s business world. It is therefore critical that organizations have the requisite skills and knowledge needed to achieve performance and growth objectives. Learning is clearly vital in this respect. Companies must remain alert to the range of opportunities for key personnel to broaden their horizons and enhance their awareness and understanding of current and future issues. Recognition of this has led to growing acknowledgement of the important contribution of informal types of learning. Indications are that informal conversations with workplace colleagues are especially powerful in this respect.

Citation

Cole, G. (2016), "Small talk’s big role: How informal learning aids professional development", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 25-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-12-2015-0100