Chapter 7 – learning
The nature of workplace learning
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour or human capabilities resulting from
processing new knowledge, practice, or experience
Specific learning outcomes including cognitive and motor skills, attitudes and verbal
communication
Formal learning – college, university studies, professional programmes
Non-formal learning - systematic instruction but takes place in a one-off situation
(workshop) and does not lead to any formal qualifications
Informal learning – when people consciously try to learn from their context and everyday life
experiences
Learning is a mode of adaption to change
Critical theorists believe that the effect of new learning regimes is to reshape organisational
culture and strengthen the power of managers over the managed
In adopting a learning strategy, managers hope to unfreeze traditional attitudes and work
practices and foster creative thinking and new ways of doing or innovation.
Learning results in the assimilation of group norms
Classical learning theories
Behavioural approach
Perceives learning as a chain of conditioned reflexes encouraged or inhibited by positive and
negative reinforcement
A reinforcer increases the probability that an operant response will reoccur.
Positive reinforcement – occurs when the introduction of a consequence increases or
maintains the frequency or future probability of a behaviour. e.g.: money, recognition,
praise from a manager and promotion
Negative reinforcement – occurs when the removal or avoidance of a consequence
increases or maintains the frequency or future probability of a behaviour. e.g.: when a
manager stops criticising an employee
Reinforcements shape behaviour
Punishment is a less powerful means of shaping behaviour- it only indicates what response
an individual should supress, it cannot guide an individual towards the desired behaviour. it
can cause anxiety and resentment
If a response in the presence of a particular stimulus is accompanied by a satisfying state of
affairs, that response is more likely to be made next time that stimulus is encountered
Responses that produce unpleasant experiences are less likely to be repeated
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