Managers as workplace learning facilitators

Margaryan, A., Milligan, C. and Littlejohn, A. (2013) Managers as workplace learning facilitators. International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 13(2/3), pp. 206-223. (doi: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2013.055397)

Abstract

This exploratory, interview-based study (n = 29) elicits activities carried out by managers in support of employees' learning and surfaces similarities and differences in the ways these activities are perceived by novice, experienced and mid-career workers. Analysis suggests that managers provide a wide variety of types of learning support, ranging from hands-on support on operational issues, structuring individual development programmes and advice on learning opportunities, to coaching, career advice, counselling and being a role model. The perceptions of novice, experienced and mid-career professionals are compared and contrasted, tentative patterns identified and a typology of managers' learning facilitation activities proposed. The results suggest that to enable managers to facilitate workplace learning effectively, a broader range of competences and skills should be considered when training managers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Special Issue on Challenging Our Mental Models for Organisational Excellence.
• Keywords: Workplace learning, managers, workplace learning facilitation, managerial facilitation, typology, employee learning, educational assessment, evaluation, research.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Littlejohn, Professor Allison
• Authors: Margaryan, A., Milligan, C., and Littlejohn, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management
• Publisher: Inderscience
• ISSN: 1465-6612
• ISSN (Online): 1741-5160
• Published Online: 27 July 2013