Article2025

What is informal workplace learning: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Hamide Lotfi · Morteza Karami · Saied Safaei Movahed · Gregory M. Francom

8 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Workplace Learning

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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to provide a model for informal workplace learning. Despite the prevalence and recognized importance of informal learning in the workplace, scattered literature and different perspectives have caused a lack of shared understanding about its nature, and little research effort has been made in this direction so far. Design/methodology/approach This paper identified the most significant components of informal workplace learning using the qualitative meta-synthesis method. For this purpose, after searching sources from different databases and screening them, 17 sources were selected due to compatibility with the research criteria. The texts extracted from the sources were analyzed using a thematic analysis method and synthesized using an aggregation approach. Finally, a themes network was created as a model with 8 main components and 11 sub-components. Findings The results indicated that eight components were considered significant to informal workplace learning, including learning stimulus, awareness and intent to learn, action or experience, critical reflection on action, facilitators, collective learning, self-directed and context. Originality/value This meta-synthesis contributes to the coherence and integration of the informal workplace learning literature. The obtained conceptual model, in addition to the general components of informal workplace learning, provides an explanation of the characteristics of each and the relationships between its components to achieve a complete understanding of the nature of informal workplace learning. Since no study has been done so far to comprehensively identify the most significant components of informal workplace learning, it is not possible to refer to their results in comparison with the results of this study.

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2004Informal learning in the workplace 2000Non‐formal learning and tacit knowledge in professional work 1990Informal and incidental learning in the workplace 2001Informal and Incidental Learning 2004Workplace participatory practices 2007Learning from other people in the workplace 2001Integrating learning and work: Problems and prospects 2015Formal and informal learning in the workplace: a research review

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