Digitisation and automation in training and development: a meta-review of new opportunities and challenges

Abstract

PurposeTo remain competitive, efficient and productive, organisations need to ensure that their employees continuously learn and develop. This is even more challenging and critical in times characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). Hence, several technological applications have been introduced with the promise to make organisational training and development (T&D) more efficient and targeted through digitisation and automation. However, digitising and automating processes in the sensitive field of T&D also poses challenges and perils for employees and organisations as a whole.Design/methodology/approachStructured by the T&D process of (1) assessment/planning, (2) design/implementation and (3) evaluation, the authors present different digitisation and automation possibilities and discuss the specific opportunities and challenges they pose. Subsequently, the authors identify and discuss overarching themes of opportunities and challenges of technology use in T&D via a meta-review.FindingsThis synthesis revealed three central topics that decision-makers in T&D should carefully consider when it comes to the implementation of technological applications: opportunities and challenges of (1) data collection, (2) decision-making and (3) the value of human contact.Originality/valueThis review integrates previously fragmented research on specific technologies applied to specific T&D functions and provides researchers and practitioners with a fuller picture of the opportunities and challenges of technology applied in T&D.

Learning and development in highly dynamic VUCA contexts: a new framework for the L&D function

“…The two remaining papers in this special issue focus on the role of technology in making the L&D function significantly more agile and allowing learning to occur more quickly in times of need. Wesche and Handke (2023; this issue) question the role of technology in delivering training and development practices and to what extent they are effective in helping employees continuously learn and develop to meet VUCA conditions. The authors use a meta-synthesis to emphasize that when the L&D function makes the decision to use technology to enhance continuous learning and development opportunities for employees, they need to consider a human-centric approach.…”

“…How are these different types of training investments perceived by employees in the context of employability and adaptability? Given the findings of Wesche and Handke (2023) in this special issue we need more research insights concerning how employees react to the use of technology as a response by the L&D function to be more agile in response to highly dynamic VUCA conditions. Likewise, the findings of Dutta and Kannan Poyil (2023) in this special issue highlight the complexities of using AI as way of making L&D more agile and responsive.…”

“…In particular we need to know more about the factors that create VUCA. In this special issue different factors that potentially create VUCA conditions were identified including pandemics, energy crises, wars and international conflict, the emergence of new technologies, emerging markets and different types of international crises (Kim et al ., 2023; Wesche and Handke, 2023; Dutta and Kannan Poyil, 2023). While scholars have suggested and emphasised environmental dynamism for some time, the notion of highly dynamic VUCA contexts suggest that there is a greater acceleration of change which is more prolonged, long lasting and profound in terms of its impact for organisations, employees and society and therefore a more complex and challenging context.…”

Employee training and development in the digital age

“…Need for balance between organizational efficiency and employee privacy is captured by Wesche and Handke (2023) in their meta review of technology use during the T&D process. In the first phase, they note the value of electronic surveys and online job-analysis as helping to speed up the assessment process.…”