Let natural learning arise!: optimizing organizational learning through a customized leadership development program

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examined a tiered leadership development program (LDP) designed to optimize natural organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The heuristic design of the tiered LDP linked learning pragmatic to the leaders’ workplace to the LDP content instructed in real-time.

Findings

The longitudinal study showed that real-time connected natural learning and LDP instruction fortified the participants’ competencies systemically throughout the organization easily measured through continuous assessment and feedback from multiple sources.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on assessment data perceived by workplace observers. Though perception bias is prevalent in studies dependent on qualitative feedback, the feedback in this study was useful to determine the heuristic value of the study parameters. Future research focused on identifying specific elements of natural learning influencing leadership development would enrich the customized content of the tiered LDP. Organizations considering a tiered LDP are cautioned to contemplate if their organization has the internal expertise to implement and facilitate such a program or require external affordable consultancies for the LDP.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a unique and comprehensive tiered leadership development program that promotes stackable and transferable learning symbiotic of leaders’ relationships and organizational tasks at a variety of organizational levels.

Citation

Roberts, R. (2021), "Let natural learning arise!: optimizing organizational learning through a customized leadership development program", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-06-2020-0121