Understanding metacognition: concepts supporting employee learning and growth

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to express metacognitive functioning in general terms and to explain how it influences employee learning/knowledge acquisition, self-regulation, engagement and growth mind-set.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a viewpoint grounded on a review of recent research regarding the regulation of learning on-the-job. Concepts are expressed in a direct manner for the use of human resource practitioners and managers.

Findings

Metacognition is mental work that helps one to regulate and improve his/her learning. The authors find that there are ways for human resource practitioners and/or managers to assist employees improve their learning practices that ultimately influence work activities and outcomes.

Originality/value

Metacognition is not a scientific mumbo-jumbo; it represents how one learns to learn. In organizations, it is important to understand how a typical employee may improve her/his learning processing and learning outputs. Authors suggest that practitioners and managers attain some understanding of metacognition and how one may stimulate improved learning processing in employees.

Citation

Lyons, P.R. and Bandura, R.P. (2018), "Understanding metacognition: concepts supporting employee learning and growth", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 44-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-07-2018-0155