(Digital) learning models and organizational learning mechanisms: Should organizations adopt a single learning model or multiple ones?

Abstract

Creating effective learning experiences matters for both employees and employing organizations as these experiences generate positive outcomes (e.g. improved performance). Organizations can create effective learning experiences by designing and implementing organizational learning mechanisms (OLMs). Yet, in many cases, they fail to do so. In this paper, we explore how employees perceive learning and their company’s efforts in providing OLMs. We also investigate whether the learning models (i.e. face-to-face vs. online vs. blended) that employees use to learn have an impact on their satisfaction and enjoyment, as well as their perceptions of the OLMs. We surveyed 67 employees and discovered that respondents that learn using multiple learning models, instead of just one, tend to be more satisfied with their learning experiences, and have a more positive perception of their company’s ability to put in place effective OLMs.