Article Gold Open Access 2023

Informal training and learning in Australian firms: The need for a new perspective

SE
Smith, Erica
 SA
Smith, Andrew
International Journal of Training and Development
Journal · Vol. 27 · Issue 3-4 · pp. 442-460
Abstract

This paper examines the use of informal training for workers, by Australian companies and other organisations. Using survey data, it reports the prevalence of informal training and also the utilisation of different types of informal training. Differences are found by employer size, particularly for the different types. By examining qualitative responses, it is found that employers' perceptions of informal training are often not those reflected in existing literature. The paper therefore argues for a new definition of informal training which is comprehensible to employers and workers alike, so that more, and more reliable, research can be undertaken. © 2023 The Authors. International Journal of Training and Development published by Brian Towers (BRITOW) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Not provided

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Federation University Australia, FedUni
We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the other researchers involved in the overall project: Victor Callan and Jacqueline Tuck. Open access publishing facilitated by Federation University Australia, as part of the Wiley - Federation University Australia agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.
References 10 References
1 Education and Training Experience Australia 1997 Cat no 6278 0, (1997)
2 Billett, Stephen Richard, Learning throughout working life: Interdependencies at work, Studies in Continuing Education, 23, 1, pp. 19-35, (2001)
3 Billett, Stephen Richard, Learning through work: Workplace affordances and individual engagement, Journal of Workplace Learning, 13, 5, pp. 209-214, (2001)
4 Engaging More Employers in Nationally Recognised Training to Develop their Workforce, (2021)
5 Inspired Vocational Learning can Integrated Learning Opportunities Make A Difference Occasional Paper, (2014)
6 Cerasoli, Christopher P., Antecedents and Outcomes of Informal Learning Behaviors: a Meta-Analysis, Journal of Business and Psychology, 33, 2, pp. 203-230, (2018)
7 Coetzer, Alan John, Distinctive Characteristics of Small Businesses as Sites for Informal Learning, Human Resource Development Review, 16, 2, pp. 111-134, (2017)
8 Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research, (2007)
9 Education and Training that Meets the Needs of Small Business A Systematic Review of Research, (2007)
10 Eraut, Michael R., Informal learning in the workplace, Studies in Continuing Education, 26, 2, pp. 247-273, (2004)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
5
Times Cited (Scopus)
References 10
Document Identifiers