Interorganizational Learning: A Conceptualization of Public-Private Learning Communities

Abstract

Human Resource Development (HRD) finds itself at a critical juncture given the rapidly changing landscape of work and a shift of focus in HRD research and practices. This provides momentum for the HRD discipline to explore new models of workplace learning that exceed the boundaries of one’s own organization. Public and private organizations increasingly understand that by joining forces and cocreating knowledge, they are better able to address these challenges and thereby stay innovative. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for Public-Private Learning Communities (PPLCs) as a promising approach to prepare organizations and employees for the rapidly changing future. By drawing on the concept of interorganizational learning and learning-network theory, we distinguish essential building blocks that relate to the PPLCs’ strategy, structure, process, and culture. With this conceptual paper, we aim to break new ground for HRD theory-building and offer novel directions for HRD researchers and practitioners. © The Author(s) 2023.

Keywords

Author Keywords

workplace learning Learning communities interorganizational learning learning-network theory public-private collaboration

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Research department Lifelong Learning and Development, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, Netherlands

Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management, Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, Maastricht, Netherlands

Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek- TNO, The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Deventer, Netherlands

Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek- TNO, The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Research Group Logistics and Alliances, University of Applied Sciences, Arnhem, Netherlands

Funding & Acknowledgements

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, NWO

Grant: 439.19.300

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research is sponsored by the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Dutch Research Council (NWO)), grant no. 439.19.300.

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Interorganizational Learning: A Conceptualization of Public-Private Learning Communities

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