A1 Journal article (refereed)
Throwaway knowledge, useful skills or a source for wellbeing? : Outlining sustainability of workplace learning situations (2020)
Lemmetty, S., & Collin, K. (2020). Throwaway knowledge, useful skills or a source for wellbeing? : Outlining sustainability of workplace learning situations. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 39(5-6), 478-494. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2020.1804004
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Lemmetty, Soila; Collin, Kaija
Journal or series: International Journal of Lifelong Education
ISSN: 0260-1370
eISSN: 1464-519X
Publication year: 2020
Publication date: 12/08/2020
Volume: 39
Issue number: 5-6
Pages range: 478-494
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2020.1804004
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71425
Abstract
Rapid changes in working life have raised awareness of the need for lifelong learning among personnel, and there is increasing concern regarding the sustainability of such learning, especially in growth companies, where learning can be seen as a prerequisite for many work practices. Hence, the aim of this study is to understand the sustainability of learning situations from the perspectives of individual wellbeing, widespread use of previous knowledge and rapid application of new knowledge. We broaden the understanding of workplace learning from the perspective of sustainability by identifying different workplace learning situations and outlining the sustainability of these situations. Two Finnish growth companies participated in the study, representing the technology and industrial field. The data consist of 68 interviews, and a qualitative thematic analysis was utilised. The study found three thematic categories of learning situations: technological development, structural changes within the organisation and formal learning situations. Sustainability perspectives manifested in these situations, but both negative and positive aspects of learning were observed. The findings can be utilised in organisations to enable more sustainability in learning. The research reveals a new and critical understanding of the sustainability of workplace learning.
Keywords: on-the-job learning; lifelong learning; professional development; well-being at work; social sustainability; growth companies; qualitative research
Free keywords: workplace learning; sustainability; growth companies; qualitative research
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Eettinen henkilöstöjohtaminen luovan toiminnan tukijana kasvuyrityksissä 2017-2019
- Collin, Kaija
- Finnish Work Environment Fund
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1