Logo image
Back
Management development experiences and expectations: informal vs formal learning
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Management development experiences and expectations: informal vs formal learning

Karen Becker and A Bish
Education and Training, Vol.59(6), pp.565-578
2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-08-2016-0134
url
https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-08-2016-0134View
Published Version

Abstract

experiential learning formal learning informal learning leadership development management development management training
Purpose: Many organisations are reconsidering their investment in formal education and training, in favour of more informal approaches to learning such as mentoring, temporary assignments, stretch assignments, and job rotation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which managers have developed capabilities for their roles thus far and their preferred approaches for future development with particular consideration given to a comparison of formal and informal learning. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reports on a case study conducted within an Australian nonprofit organisation focussing on the extent to which managers attribute their current level of management skills to formal or informal learning and the extent to which they would prefer formal or informal learning (or a combination) for future development. Findings: Findings indicate a large part of the managers' current management capabilities were acquired through informal means, and these are seen as desirable for ongoing development, however, there is also a desire for formal learning methods to complement informal methods. Originality/value: Management development is a critical HRD activity however there is limited knowledge about how managers have built their current capabilities and their preferences in terms of the mix of formal and informal learning for the future. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.

Details

Metrics

419 Record Views
16 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas
Education & Educational Research
Logo image