Search results
1 – 10 of over 15000International experience (IE) has been acknowledged to be the most useful method for developing global leaders. However, not everyone benefits equally from IE. During the last two…
Abstract
International experience (IE) has been acknowledged to be the most useful method for developing global leaders. However, not everyone benefits equally from IE. During the last two decades, our understanding of why this is the case and how global leaders learn from IE has rapidly increased. Several individual and organizational enablers facilitating global leader learning from IE have been identified in the literature, as have learning mechanisms that make such learning possible. However, the literature remains fragmented, and there is a great need to integrate the findings in the field. Therefore, the present paper systematically examines peer-reviewed studies on global leaders' learning from IE published between 1998 and 2019. The study contributes to the extant literature by identifying and integrating individual enablers, organizational enablers, and key learning mechanisms from global leaders' IE and by suggesting topics for future research.
Details
Keywords
Valentina C. Tassone, Perry den Brok, Cassandra W.S. Tho and Arjen E.J. Wals
By envisioning the learning environment as an eco-social system, this study aims to map interrelated enablers of students’ sustainability-oriented learning (SoL) in the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
By envisioning the learning environment as an eco-social system, this study aims to map interrelated enablers of students’ sustainability-oriented learning (SoL) in the context of a university course at the interface of science and society.
Design/methodology/approach
A case-study approach was used to delineate what enables student learning in a university-wide transdisciplinary Master of Science course. A sample of 102 students, university and societal stakeholders participated to this study, by sharing their experiences and views through focus groups and questionnaires.
Findings
A main finding is the development of a configuration of six intertwined enablers that through their interplay help to cultivate students’ SoL, in the course under exploration.
Originality/value
This study paves the way for a re-orientation of how to explore learning in complex environments. It shows that adopting a relational, situated and systems approach is not only feasible but is also desirable to understand and guide learning practices in complex environments.
Details
Keywords
Wei Ching Lee and Bernard Cheng Yian Tan
The purpose of this study is to scrutinise individual learning strategies in their workplace when they were experiencing digital innovation. Moreover, the respective enablers and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to scrutinise individual learning strategies in their workplace when they were experiencing digital innovation. Moreover, the respective enablers and challenges of each category of strategies were explored to conceptualise supporting features needed in the digital learning environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a qualitative inquiry to understand employees’ workplace learning strategies and the respective enablers, and challenges in each category of strategies. Twenty employees across different industries were interviewed, and a two-cycle inductive coding analysis was adopted to identify the categories of learning strategies.
Findings
Four categories of workplace learning strategies were identified: self-driven, social-leveraged, enterprise-oriented and information and technology-enhanced (IT-enhanced) strategies. Enablers and challenges of each category were also presented in this study.
Practical implications
The findings provide insights for individuals to establish a repertoire of learning strategies. The inadequate use of IT-enhanced strategies is additionally addressed.
Originality/value
This study examined workplace learning strategies in the context of digital innovation. Based on the empirical findings and existing literature, this study proposes a framework with the supporting features for a digital learning environment.
Details
Keywords
C. Jyothibabu, Ayesha Farooq and Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated measurement scale for an organizational learning system by capturing the learning enablers, learning results and performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated measurement scale for an organizational learning system by capturing the learning enablers, learning results and performance outcome in an organization.
Design/methodology/approach
A new measurement scale was developed by integrating and modifying two existing scales, identified through a literature survey. The new scale was validated through the responses of 502 managerial employees from 14 thermal power plants of the largest power company in India.
Findings
There were scales, which measure learning enablers or learning achieved or learning in general or the relation between some forms of learning with performance. This study could integrate learning enablers at three levels, learning achieved at three levels, and the organizational outcome in the form of performance in a single scale.
Research limitations/implications
The research study took place within the largest organization in one industry to control for potential industry effects across organizations. This may limit its generalizability.
Practical implications
The integrated scale developed in the study will help to specifically look for the presence of learning enablers and learning outcomes at individual, group or organizational level and relate them with each other as well as performance. Hence it can be of importance in the study of learning organizations and furthering the understanding of the complex relations involved.
Originality/value
This is the first study which clearly demarcates learning enablers at three levels, and learning achieved at three levels, and the organizational outcome in the form of performance in a single integrated scale.
Details
Keywords
Norma D’Annunzio-Green and Paul Barron
The purpose of this paper is to examine student learner perceptions of benefits, barriers and enablers in learning whilst working, specifically focussing, on learning transfer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine student learner perceptions of benefits, barriers and enablers in learning whilst working, specifically focussing, on learning transfer from a university MSc in human resource management to students’ professional roles as human resource practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used in-depth semi-structured interviews with alumni of the programme who had graduated between one to three years previously.
Findings
The study found benefits (increased self-confidence, credibility and networking skills) as well as unanticipated challenges relating to individual learner characteristics, organisational culture and work-related support that hindered learning transfer.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to understanding the mechanisms required to support part-time learners on continuing vocational education programmes from a variety of stakeholders including students, their managers, their university and work colleagues, and academic staff. It highlights the benefits of activities designed to help students relate theory to practice and facilitate the transfer of knowledge between academic and practitioner environments.
Practical implications
The study highlights learner perspectives that are focussed on how organisational culture and line managers might play a more central role in influencing how people learn at work and facilitate the transfer of learning from formal educational interventions.
Originality/value
The study is valuable to academics and practitioners interested in improving learning transfer from formal educational to professional settings.
Details
Keywords
Allan H. Church, Brad Haime and Byron Johnson
Although learning is a widely recognized method for building individual skills and capabilities, its impact is often minimized in large-scale organizational change efforts in…
Abstract
Although learning is a widely recognized method for building individual skills and capabilities, its impact is often minimized in large-scale organizational change efforts in favor of more visible OD- and HR-related interventions. When conceptualized and applied systemically, however, learning itself can be a critical enabler and even a primary driver of organizational culture change. This chapter focuses on the role that a holistic learning agenda can play in a large-scale organizational change effort using insight developed from an applied case study in a large multinational organization.
Mariia Molodchik and Carlos Jardon
The paper aims to identify particular traits of the Russian context which condition two key enablers of organizational learning: organizational culture and transformational…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to identify particular traits of the Russian context which condition two key enablers of organizational learning: organizational culture and transformational leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on a literature review, the study determines management challenges by implementation of organizational learning in the Russian business context. Taking this into account, the authors suggest specific model of organizational learning which contains organizational learning processes, organizational culture oriented towards learning and transformational leadership. Empirical justification of this model is provided using a sample of more than 100 respondents. Partial least squares-analysis is applied to define structural relationships between the elements of proposed model.
Findings
The study reveals the positive and significant influence of transformational leadership and an organizational culture on organizational learning processes. Moreover, transformational leadership is shown to have a positive impact on an organizational culture, confirming the hypothesis regarding the pivotal role of leaders in the Russian business context.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study can assist managers doing business in Russia to improve organizational learning processes. The size of the sample appears to be the main limitation of this study. Questions that might also be addressed in additional research concern the influence of organizational learning on the performance of Russian companies.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a better understanding of the barriers and stimuli exacted on organizational learning and provides empirical evidence of organizational learning practices of Russian companies.
Details
Keywords
Nhlanhla Wilton B. Mlitwa and David Wafula Wanyonyi
This paper aims to present a research outcome to an investigation towards the innovative use of electronic-learning (e-Learning) software solutions to strengthen the interactive…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a research outcome to an investigation towards the innovative use of electronic-learning (e-Learning) software solutions to strengthen the interactive component of mobile learning (m-Learning) in university contexts. This work was motivated by observations of interactive limitations in existing m-Learning solutions in well-intentioned software development and e-Learning efforts. The aim of the project, thus, was to interrogate hindrances to the potency of m-Learning interventions. The idea was to strengthen the interactive component, to improve the compatibility of the desktop e-Learning process – with mobile appliances such as mobile phones and, finally, to explore cost minimizing avenues of downloading learning materials over mobile phones.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of the project was twofold: that is, both literature-based and experimental. Literature background offered insight on existing efforts towards interactive m-Learning solutions. Against this background, the project was then designed to explore ways to provide presentations and interactive chats for effective m-Learning over mobile phones. The idea was to reduce the file size of presentations slides for effective display on mobile devices. Finally, the aim was also to minimize airtime costs when transmitting presentation slides and when conducting interactive chats on mobile phones. An experiment research method was, thus, used. In this method, a problem and question were articulated first. Then, a practical technological solution was conceptualized, developed, pre-tested, modified and re-tested until it complied with sought specifications, Finally, the solution was implemented, to confirm its viability and response to a research problem and, ultimately, was reported in the findings.
Findings
Slides were developed with light colour resolutions to open effortlessly on tiny mobile screens. The best quality was between 128 and 201.188 (out of 255) pixels (more visible mobile phone screens), using Open Source Software. Clear slides also had a font greater than size 32. The average data per presentation were 9,872.66 bytes, and, when seven learners were chatting, it was 3,686.63 bytes (0.03 megabytes). For airtime costs, the Vodacom rate of R0.46 per megabyte was used. This translates to 0.8 × 0.46 = R0.0368 cost per slide. The m-Chisimba platform therefore, seems to be cost-effective, quality expedient and most appropriate for interactive m-Learning.
Research limitations/implications
Existing m-Learning has been inadequate, failing to align adequately the desktop e-Learning solutions with mobile phone platforms. Desktop presentation slides, for example, have been incompatible with mobile phones’ operations and screen sizes. Mostly, content could consume a lot more airtime, owing to large sizes of desktop originated material that was incompatible with mobile platforms. A solution that emerged from original experiments, leading to the enhanced interactive m-Learning solution, the m-Chisimba platform, is, therefore, presented in this paper. The thinking is that mobile applications are convenient enablers which extend access to information. Nevertheless, mobile applications (including m-Learning solutions) cannot be seen as panaceas to solve all learning concerns as literacy and affordability remain challenges in many under-developed social environments. As a newly developed innovation, the m-Chisimba platform offers an improved m-Learning solution for learning activities over mobile gadgets such as mobile phones.
Practical implications
The research work offers new innovative solutions in a number of practical ways. It improves the interactivity component of the m-Learning process, to empower educators and learners to effectively engage learning over m-Learning devices.
Social implications
The innovation makes it easier to for learning to take place effortlessly, over mobile platforms. Implications are that more people will be able to access learning processes on the move, meaning that obstacles to access learning opportunities are minimised.
Originality/value
Existing m-Learning has been inadequate, failing to align adequately the desktop e-Learning solutions with mobile phone platforms. Desktop presentation slides, for example, have been incompatible with mobile phones’ operations and screen sizes. Mostly, content could consume a lot more airtime, owing to large sizes of desktop-originated material that was incompatible with mobile-platforms. A solution that emerged from original experiments, leading to the enhanced interactive m-Learning solution, the m-Chisimba platform, is, therefore, presented in this paper. The thinking is that mobile applications are convenient enablers which extend access to information. Nevertheless, mobile applications (including m-Learning solutions) cannot be seen as panaceas to solve all learning concerns as literacy and affordability remain challenges in many under-developed social environments. As a newly developed innovation, the m-Chisimba platform offers an improved m-Learning solution for learning activities over mobile gadgets such as mobile phones.
Details
Keywords
Ragnhild Nordeng Fauchald, Lise Aaboen and Dag Håkon Haneberg
The paper focuses on how student entrepreneurs learn from the process of applying for low-threshold seed capital grants of about €2500
Abstract
Purpose
The paper focuses on how student entrepreneurs learn from the process of applying for low-threshold seed capital grants of about €2500
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth inductive study was conducted on the seed capital grant initiative TrønderEnergi–Bidraget (TEB). The research design was based on the Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET) to capture the interviewees' perceptions about TEB. From the interviews, 596 codes were identified and grouped into 54 categories. The results are illustrated in a consensus map.
Findings
TEB is an enabler of student venture creation processes through both the money awarded and activities fostering learning and development. Learning by doing is visible through two processes: 1) repeated writing of applications and 2) “forced” reflective thinking through the steps in the application process. The iterativeness of these processes due to repeated applications to the low threshold initiative is important for learning.
Practical implications
The authors recommend that university managers and policymakers offer seed funding to student entrepreneurs to ensure that the offering is a low threshold. A low threshold is decisive for generating a positive learning outcome from the application process. The seed funding initiatives should require students to put time and energy into all the integrated processes to make value out of the iterativeness of the processes.
Originality/value
This paper extends the discussion on the additionality of receiving grants by focusing on the process of applying for a grant. This research contributes to the student entrepreneurship literature by suggesting that the design of the application process and forced reflections are important for learning, as well as specifying the antecedents for student motivation for continued entrepreneurial activity in the application process.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study adopted Popper's three worlds as an analytical framework to assess leadership learning in a principalship development programme. The unit of assessment of learning is knowledge – more specifically subjective and objective knowledge. The study involved participants in a principalship development programme called the Leaders in Education Programme (LEP). The LEP is designed and implemented by the National Institute of Education, Singapore with partnership from the Ministry of Education, Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, the LEP has developed more than 300 school leaders in Singapore schools.
Findings
Through the analyses linking the concepts of complexity theory and Popper's three worlds, valuable insights were gained into how participants developed practical knowledge in leadership and management.
Originality/value
The outcome of the analyses has implications for leadership programme design and for leadership development in countries with similar challenges to prepare a new type of school leaders for the 21st century.
Details