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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2023

Chathuri Gunarathna, Rebecca Yang, Pabasara Wijeratne Mudiyanselage, Gayashan Amarasinghe, Tharushi Samarasinghalage, R.P. Nilmini Weerasinghe, Hongying Zhao, Chaoxiang Zhang, Chengyang Liu, Kaige Wang and Sujan Dev Sureshkumar Jayakumari

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness…

Abstract

Purpose

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness is not much investigated focusing on the students' narrative. This study aims at evaluating the students' experience and perspective on adopting project-based learning in master by research and doctoral programmes for proactive skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisor who have participated in developing a software tool for solar photovoltaics (PV) integrated building envelope design, management and the related education.

Findings

Findings reveal that the students have effectively improved their knowledge on the subject via collaborating with the industry, self-learning/observation, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Dividing the project into student-led tasks has improved the decision-making and leadership skills, risks identification, planning and time management skills. The overall experience has (1) built up confidence in students, (2) enhanced their creativity and critical thinking and (3) improved their proactive skills and context knowledge.

Originality/value

A clear research gap can be seen in exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning for master by research and doctoral programmes, which mainly focus on extensive research. These programmes do not necessarily focus on developing students' proactive skills, which is the main requirement if they intend to work in the construction industry. This paper addresses the above research gap by demonstrating the effectiveness of project-based learning for developing the proactive skills in a research-intensive learning environment.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Niki Chatzipanagiotou, Anita Mirijamdotter and Christina Mörtberg

This paper aims to focus on academic library managers’ learning practices in the context of cooperative work supported by computational artefacts. Academic library managers’…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on academic library managers’ learning practices in the context of cooperative work supported by computational artefacts. Academic library managers’ everyday work is mainly cooperative. Their cooperation is supported predominantly by computational artefacts. Learning how to use the computational artefacts efficiently and effectively involves understanding the changes in everyday work that affect managers and, therefore, it requires deep understanding of their cooperative work practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Focused ethnography was conducted through participant observations, interviews and document analysis. Ten managers from a university library in Sweden participated in the research. A thematic method was used to analyse the empirical material. Computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) and work-integrated learning was used as the conceptual lens.

Findings

Five learning practices were identified: collaboration, communication, coordination, decision-making processes and computational artefacts’ use. The findings show that learning is embedded in managers’ cooperative work practices, which do not necessarily include sufficient training time. Furthermore, learning was intertwined with cooperating and was situational. Managers learned by reflecting together on their own experiences and through joint cooperation and information sharing while using the computational artefacts.

Originality/value

The main contribution lies in providing insights into how academic library managers learn and cooperate in their everyday work, emphasizing the role of computational artefacts, the importance of the work context and the collective nature of learning. It also highlights the need for continual workplace learning in contemporary knowledge work environments. Thus, the research generates contributions to the informatics field by extending the understanding of managers’ work-integrated learning in their everyday cooperative work practices supported by computational artefacts’ use. It also contributes to the intersection of CSCW and work-integrated learning.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Ayesha Khatun, Vishal Singh and Akashdeep Joshi

Studies have so far focused on learning in organizations, factors affecting learning, learning effectiveness and so on but the concept of learning in a hybrid work arrangement is…

Abstract

Purpose

Studies have so far focused on learning in organizations, factors affecting learning, learning effectiveness and so on but the concept of learning in a hybrid work arrangement is yet unexplored. The purpose of this study is to measure the perception of faculty members in higher education institutions towards learning in a hybrid work arrangement and also to measure the differences of perception towards hybrid work arrangement based on employees’ gender and organization type.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from a sample of 390 faculty members composing of Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors, purposely chosen from two of the premier higher education institutions (one private and one public) located in Punjab, India. A self-structured questionnaire was administered to the faculty members who are working on a regular basis and have minimum of two years of work experience with the chosen university. For analysing the collected data exploratory factor analysis and other descriptive statistics have been applied.

Findings

The findings of the survey show that in terms of gender differences, it is the female employees who are more satisfied with different aspects of hybrid/remote work arrangement as compared to male employees. In regard to organizational differences in the perception towards learning in a hybrid work arrangement it is found that public university employees have a more positive attitude so far as individual factors are concerned, but in terms of organizational factors, it is the private university that is scoring better than the public university.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to only two higher education institutions, and its findings to be applicable in all higher education institutions, further studies may be required on a larger canvas. Future studies may be undertaken using advanced statistical tools like structural equation modelling to explore various variables associated with learning in a hybrid work arrangement.

Originality/value

Applicability of hybrid work arrangement is very high in higher education institutions and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which adds to the literature on perception of employees towards organizational learning in a hybrid work arrangement.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Fredrik Hillberg Jarl

The purpose of this study is to review literature on the relationship between leadership and workplace learning, to critically analyze and discuss findings and to suggest future…

1183

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review literature on the relationship between leadership and workplace learning, to critically analyze and discuss findings and to suggest future research paths based on the synthesis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a refined literature review process leading to a selection of 40 articles, which originated from 14 internationally acclaimed journals.

Findings

When explaining leadership influence regarding individual and team learning, the concepts of role modeling behavior, relational support and negotiation of meaning is significant. If leaders provide support, show exemplary behavior and negotiate individual arrangements with employees, workplace learning development is positively affected.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should focus on empirical cases further illustrating how the leader–employee relationship is formed in practice, to further understand differences in leadership influence on employee workplace learning.

Practical implications

The gathered knowledge implicates that carefully designed leadership training programs and personalized work arrangements between leader and employees are beneficial for leader’s ability to influence employee workplace learning.

Originality/value

The reviewed studies were solely published in top management journals, which resulted in an original literature selection. This study also discusses implicit or articulated assumptions about the view of learning in the selected studies, offering additional understanding about the underlying learning views in leadership–workplace learning research.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Jiunwen Wang, Ivy Chia and Jerry Yap

The purpose of this study is to document the process of transformative learning during students’ internships.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to document the process of transformative learning during students’ internships.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted with 13 interviewed students to gain deeper insights into their learning experiences during their internships. Their weekly reflections from their 6 month’s internship experience were also coded for common themes.

Findings

The study found numerous trigger events ranging from task-related challenges to interpersonal challenges to environmental challenges led to mindset shifts in students during their internships. The mindset shifts are enabled by students engaging in the trigger events through asking questions, seeking information and reflecting. Other enablers of these mindset shifts are workplace psychological safety, social support and individual learning orientation. The conclusion drawn is that trigger events and enabling resources such as external support are central to healthy mindset shifts and learning.

Practical implications

This paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.

Originality/value

This paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Saima Ritonummi, Valtteri Siitonen, Markus Salo and Henri Pirkkalainen

The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers that prevent workers in the software industry from experiencing flow in their work.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers that prevent workers in the software industry from experiencing flow in their work.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted by using a qualitative critical incident technique-inspired questionnaire.

Findings

The findings suggest that workers in the software industry perceive that the most obvious obstacles to experiencing flow are related to work not presenting enough cognitive challenges and situational barriers related to the characteristics of the job (e.g. workdays having too many interruptions and distractions, timetables often being considered too tight for creative exploration and problem solving and having negative user experiences with development tools).

Originality/value

The findings provide insights into flow barriers, specifically barriers that prevent workers in the software industry from experiencing flow.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Frankie J. Weinberg and Mary M. Hausfeld

We examine the relationships between clients’ level of coaching readiness and trust in their executive coach and increases to both personal learning improved work performance…

Abstract

Purpose

We examine the relationships between clients’ level of coaching readiness and trust in their executive coach and increases to both personal learning improved work performance. Distance relationships, the setting for this study, epitomize the norms of the New World of Work (NWoW), but also provide particular challenges for building trust and recognizing similarities between client and coach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates distance coaching relationships in matched-pairs, longitudinal investigation of formal executive coaching.

Findings

Results support the proposed moderated mediation path. Findings reveal that both coaches’ perceptions of client readiness for coaching and client trust in coach each predict both client personal skill development and performance improvement.

Research limitations/implications

While important toward gaining a better understanding of the relational functioning of distance coaching relationships, inclusion of only distance relationships may truncate the generalizability of our findings.

Practical implications

The study’s findings have practical implications for organizations that invest in executive coaching with regard to the importance of evaluating the candidates' readiness for coaching before the assignment, trust-building throughout distance coaching relationships and perceptions of similarity on client coaching outcomes.

Originality/value

Distance relationships, the setting for this study, provide particular challenges for building trust and recognizing similarities between client and coach and the current investigation points to the relevance of these relational mechanisms to client outcomes. In so doing, this study explores how perceptions of deep-level similarity between a coach and client may serve as moderators of these relationships.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Léa Fréour, Adalgisa Battistelli, Sabine Pohl and Nicola Cangialosi

Innovative work behaviour (IWB) has long been advocated as a crucial resource for organisations. Evidence that work characteristics stimulate the adoption of IWB is widespread…

Abstract

Purpose

Innovative work behaviour (IWB) has long been advocated as a crucial resource for organisations. Evidence that work characteristics stimulate the adoption of IWB is widespread. Yet, the relationship between knowledge characteristics and IWB has often been overlooked. This study aims to address this gap by examining this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on an integrative vision of innovation, this study analyses the effects of combinations in work characteristics on IWB through a configurational approach. Job autonomy, complexity, problem solving, specialisation and demand for constant learning were examined as determinants of IWB using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

Based on a sample of 214 Belgium employees, the results highlight seven configurations of work characteristics to elicit high levels of IWB. For six of them, problem solving appears as a needed condition.

Practical implications

Presented findings offer insights for organisations aiming at evolving in a competitive context to generate optimal conditions for promoting employee innovation.

Originality/value

While most studies have tested the influence of work characteristics independently, this research investigates the joint influence of work characteristics and identifies how combinations of multiple variables lead to IWB.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2023

Junhee Kim, Kibum Kwon and Jeehyun Choi

This study aims to examine the effect of firm-specific skills on formal and informal training and development (T&D) effectiveness, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of firm-specific skills on formal and informal training and development (T&D) effectiveness, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and the moderating effect of job tenure on each hypothesized path. The authors adopt a micro perspective on human capital, arguing its significance to examine the role of job attitudes in developing firm-specific skills.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,514 South Korean workers' responses were obtained from the Human Capital Corporate Panel dataset. This study conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the structural relationships between the study variables. A subsequent multigroup SEM was conducted to determine whether the structural model differed across job tenures by comparing the results for employees with more than and less than six years of tenure.

Findings

The findings indicate that (a) firm-specific skills have a negative effect on formal T&D effectiveness and no significant effect on informal T&D effectiveness; (b) firm-specific skills have a negative effect on job satisfaction and no significant effect on turnover intentions; (c) formal T&D effectiveness has a positive effect on job satisfaction and a negative effect on turnover intentions; (d) informal T&D effectiveness has a positive effect on job satisfaction and no significant effect on turnover intentions; and (e) job tenure partially moderates the relationships among the proposed study variables.

Originality/value

The study's findings provide new insights into human capital theory, focusing on whether firm-specific skills can be a source of sustained competitive advantage from employees' perspectives.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Keyu Chen, Guoquan Chen, Qiong Wu, Wei Liu and Huiqun Zhao

The literature on help-seeking at work has experienced significant growth in the past decades. However, our knowledge about this research domain remains fragmented and lacks…

Abstract

Purpose

The literature on help-seeking at work has experienced significant growth in the past decades. However, our knowledge about this research domain remains fragmented and lacks sufficient theoretical integration. Therefore, this paper aims to comprehensively integrate the extant literature on help-seeking behavior at work and propose an overarching, organized framework to propel this field forward.

Design/methodology/approach

A state-of-the-art review and theoretical development on help-seeking at work are conducted.

Findings

First, the authors provide the conceptual clarity of its definitions, key characteristics, types and measurement techniques. Second, the authors develop a fine-grained and integrative process-based framework consisting of antecedents, proximal psychological mechanisms, subsequent influencing processes and distal outcomes to advance our understanding of seeking help in the workplace. Third, the authors offer a detailed agenda for future research to target opportunities within the field.

Originality/value

The current study is comprehensive in surveying the full body of knowledge on help-seeking at work. It uniquely provides a coherent overarching framework that organizes prior findings and channels future research. Additionally, this review paints a complete picture of what has been done and what needs to be done in the field. More research can be spurred based on our conceptual framework.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

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