The role of informal learning in the small to medium enterprise construction workplace

Date
2020-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Construction organisations in Namibia rely on people to achieve their work outcomes. Subcontractors are an integral part of the construction workforce that carry out project operations in many construction SME companies. However, the lack of research into workplace learning in construction SMEs has left these organisations operating without clear learning strategies, with potential negative consequences to business success. The aim of the study was to understand the role of informal learning in a construction SME workplace, based on the perceptions and the experiences of the local subcontractors who are established communities of practice in construction. To explore the role of informal learning in the construction workplace, a case study methodology based on an interpretivist paradigm, is adopted. Observations and semi-structured interviews were the main forms of data collection methods. Data were collected from a sample of a community of practice made up of four subcontractors and three main contractor management members. The findings indicate that informal learning in the construction SME workplace is influenced by the organisational culture. Learning in this construction SME workplace depends on the work processes, the scope of work activities and the interaction relationships of mutual trust. Work processes such as meetings; daily interactions such as conversing, discussing, observing, listening, networking and sharing of information with others, facilitate collaborative participation and learning opportunities in this construction workplace. The findings have implications for how an organisation can provide appropriate management support that can promote and harness this learning for individual and organisational development.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Construction workers -- Knowledge and learning, Career development -- Namibia, Small business -- Namibia, Communities of practice -- Namibia, Employees -- Training of -- Namibia, UCTD
Citation