Understanding Informal Learning in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Korea

Autor/inn/en	Jeong, Shinhee; McLean, Gary N.; Park, Soyoun
Titel	Understanding Informal Learning in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Korea
Quelle	In: Journal of Workplace Learning, 30 (2018) 2, S.89-107 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1366-5626
DOI	10.1108/JWL-03-2017-0028
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Learning Experience; Small Businesses; Phenomenology; Qualitative Research; Interviews; Employee Attitudes; Learning Strategies; Informal Education; Cultural Context; Organizational Culture; Educational Practices; South Korea + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Lernerfahrung; Kleingewerbe; Phenomenological psychology; Phänomenologie; Psychologie; Qualitative Forschung; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Arbeitnehmerinteresse; Learning methode; Learning techniques; Lernmethode; Lernstrategie; Informelle Bildung; Nichtformale Bildung; Unternehmenskultur; Bildungspraxis; Korea; Republik
Abstract	Purpose: This paper aims to explore informal learning experiences among employees working in South Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 100 employees. This study specifically seeks to understand the characteristics of informal learning in Korean SMEs and culturally sensitive contextual factors that shape informal learning. Design/methodology/approach: To understand the complex, holistic nature of the phenomenon, the current study used a phenomenological qualitative approach. Eighteen full-time employees working at South Korean SMEs in knowledge-intensive industries were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Moustakas's phenomenological analysis. Findings: The findings emerged from the field data revealed four characteristics of informal learning in South Korean SMEs: absolute reliance on informal learning; rapid/immediate learning and application; relationship/client needs-based learning; and extensive trial and error. The current study also identified South Korean SMEs' unique organizational context (i.e. a family-like atmosphere, one employee-multiple tasks, passive investment in employees and the absence of systems) and Korean culture (i.e. Gab-Eul relations and chemyon) that drive the emergence of SMEs' informal learning characteristics. Originality/value: Very little empirical research has been conducted to explain how informal learning actually occurs and why such learning patterns have emerged in South Korean SMEs. The findings of this study have a profound impact on practice and academia, as it unveils characteristics of informal learning in SMEs, the unique cultural context in which Korean SMEs operate and how these characteristics impact the learning process. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01