Organizational factors promoting the uptake of informal learning within NIEs: a dual case study of a consulting firm and legal / health professionals.

Abstract

The effectiveness of corporate training continues to be questioned, despite its ongoing growth. Most learning time is spent in informal situations, triggered by situational needs and Nomadic Information Environments (NIEs). This is especially the case for knowledge-intensive workers who seek out knowledge that is less codified, but which is harder to identify exante. This article explores the connection between selflearning within NIEs and its context. Our theoretical framework is based on the work around informal learning, suggesting factors leading to the uptake of such practices. Through inductive reasoning, we applied a qualitative protocol for data collection in the context of two case studies representing knowledgeintensive workers. 32 interviews were conducted using a semi-directive approach. Triangulation was carried out analyzing 200 documents and tools, and 3 teams were shadowed and observed. We highlight 11 organizational factors (professional, managerial and technological). Our work updates the informal learning factors within the specific context of NIEs. By identifying these factors, we also recognize the need for organizations to facilitate access to suitable, efficient and high-quality self-learning options.