Enhancing learning in small businesses. (11th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coetzer, Alan; Redmond, Janice; Sharafizad, Jalleh; Lundy, Judy
• Is Part Of: Human resource management journal. Volume 33:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 490
• Publication Date: 2022-03-11
• Subjects: informal learning -- management style -- organisational culture -- small business; Personnel management -- Periodicals; 658.3
• DOI: 10.1111/1748-8583.12438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-5395

Abstract

Abstract: This study addresses knowledge gaps relating to how small business owner/managers facilitate employee learning and how distinctive characteristics of small businesses affect employee learning. Data were collected through interviews with owner/managers and employees and observation of conditions in the physical, social, and organisational environments that might help or hinder informal learning. The findings provide a situated, context‐sensitive, and triangulated account relating to two research questions. We find that owner/manager physical and social proximity to employees is a key facilitating factor. Proximity creates the potential for owner/managers to facilitate learning through modelling, provision of immediate feedback and guidance. The owner/manager's positive influence on learning stemming from their physical and social proximity to employees is accentuated by owner/managers employing management styles facilitative of learning. Our findings suggest that a "family‐like" culture and the social cohesion in the businesses had enabling effects on employee participants' informal learning, while their lack of opportunities for formal learning would have inhibiting effects.