Why I do not learn fast enough? Positive and negative learning spirals and learning spaces in the context of work digitalization
Keywords:
digitalization of office work, learning spirals, learning at work, adaptation, spatialityAbstract
In this study, we seek to gain deeper insight into the pressures of adapting to changes brought about by digitalization of office work and the related learning demands that employees experience. We examine 1) how the work environment contributes to the construction of the learning experience and 2) how employees experience learning in a constantly changing work environment. We apply the theories of spatiality to conceptualize the work environment as a learning context and to understand the dynamics between spaces (physical, social, mental). We applied a qualitative case study approach, and collected empirical data in focus group discussions in one large organization, where parts of work processes were automatized using software robotics. The transcripts of the discussions were analyzed with data driven content analysis method. As a result, we construct positive and negative learning spirals that connect an individual’s effort to learn within spaces of learning, and illustrate spatial dynamics of spaces in employee’s learning process. The experience of the learning environment determines to which path the learning spiral drifts. Our research participates in the discussions of workplace learning and digitalization of work, and provides a holistic and multifaceted understanding of the dynamic space of learning.
