Understanding learning spillover

Abstract

Purpose The study explored whether and how satisfaction with and the perceived utility of the formal training positively influenced subsequent informal learning and the ways in which employee uncertainty avoidance impacted on these processes. Design/methodology/approach Employees of an automotive company in six countries were asked to complete two surveys following formal training, the first 7-12 days after the training and the second 5-7 weeks later. Findings Results showed a spillover effect when employees were satisfied with formal training and this was associated with enhanced informal learning. No effects from utility of training were found. Uncertainty avoidance was an important factor for both formal and informal learning. Research limitations/implications It is not clear whether or not there may be differences between those employees who responded and those who did not. Future replication could address this issue. Practical implications This research should help the automotive industry cope with the challenges of the future through targeted personnel development. Originality/value So far as the authors are aware, this is the first longitudinal study to investigate the formal-informal learning interaction and to introduce reflection as a mediator. It also provides evidence that uncertainty avoidance is an important factor in formal and informal learning in a globalized context.