Worldviews of Adult Learning in the Workplace Through a Mormonism Lens

Abstract

The problem and the solution. With membership exceeding 12 million individuals in 170 countries, it is increasingly likely that Mormons will be found in the workplaces of organizations around the world. This article provides a brief overview of key concepts of Mormonism as they relate to adult learning in the workplace. It also explores several implications of these concepts for human resource development (HRD) practice and theory.

Latter-day Saint Women and Leadership: The Influence of Their Religious Worldview

“…In the United States and Canada, the LDS church is the fourth-largest religious denomination behind Catholics, Southern Baptists, and United Methodists (Lindner, 2011). These statistics suggest that it is increasingly likely that LDS female members will comprise at least a noticeable portion of communities and the workforce around the world, particularly in the Western hemisphere (Nielson, Madsen, & Hammond, 2006). More significantly, the LDS worldview profoundly shapes the ways members perceive learning, development, and leadership for women.…”

“…Prominent core values of the LDS church include strengthening families; helping others; exercising free choice; being educated; and doing missionary work, humanitarian aid, community service, and family history. Although the church does have its critics, according to Nielson et al (2006), "religious and other experts have recognized the positive contributions of the church to society, including humanitarian aid efforts, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the church welfare program, and its emphasis on families and lifelong learning" (p. 383).…”

“…Hence, learning and education have always been significant; shortly after Mormon pioneers began settling the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, they established schools and post-secondary institutions ("Our Heritage," 1996). Nielson et al (2006) wrote an article on the worldviews of adult learning in the workplace through a Mormon lens and identified five key principles: emphasis on lifelong learning, self-reliance, personal development by mentoring, hard work (no idleness), and obligation to employers. At the heart of these matters includes worldviews of the teleology of mortal existence and its importance within the theme of individual progression, which is also central to the discussion of how the LDS worldview influences women and leadership among its members.…”