Towards a unifying framework to support informal learning theory, research and practice

Today's postmodern world is skeptical that there is 'one best way' to work. Workers are increasingly knowledgeable and educated, driving optimal decision making out of the hands of the few and flattening hierarchies in the workplace. Under these conditions, more organizations question the benefits of standardized training systems designed to extract expertise from a few and ensure adoption of practices across the many. As a result interest in informal learning is in ascendance. However there are potential drawbacks to informal learning, namely, its narrow, contextual focus; learning bad habits or wrong lessons; accreditation challenges; and the fact that such learning is so well integrated with work that it may not be recognized. So how can individuals improve their informal learning? And how can organizations support and reap the benefit of informal learning to achieve the goals for which they strive? The articles in this e-book seek answers to such questions. Taken together, they also point to the need for, and challenges of, identifying a unifying framework that will help build informal learning theory, conduct research, and guide practice.