Autonomous Learning in the Workplace

Traditionally, organizations and researchers have focused on learning that occurs through formal training and development programs. However, the realities of today’s workplace suggest that it is difficult, if not impossible, for organizations to rely mainly on formal programs for developing human capital.

This volume offers a broad-based treatment of autonomous learning to advance our understanding of learner-driven approaches and how organizations can support them. Contributors in industrial/organizational psychology, management, education, and entrepreneurship bring theoretical perspectives to help us understand autonomous learning and its consequences for individuals and organizations. Chapters consider informal learning, self-directed learning, learning from job challenges, mentoring, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), organizational communities of practice, self-regulation, the role of feedback and errors, and how to capture value from autonomous learning. This book will appeal to scholars, researchers, and practitioners in psychology, management, training and development, and educational psychology.

Jill E. Ellingson is a Professor of Human Resource Management and Dana Anderson Faculty Fellow in the Management Area of the School of Business at the University of Kansas.

Raymond A. Noe is the Robert and Anne Hoyt Designated Professor of Management in the Department of Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University.