Education, Learning, Leadership, Research, Technology
Informal Learning for Technical Leaders
Insights from an ethnographic research study for cognitive patterns of technical leaders in the workplace
Purpose
In this article, I aim to briefly introduce informal learning and share my findings from a research study conducted to understand optimal learning modes and familiar patterns of technical leaders in Information Technology departments of large business organizations.
The study aims to help policymakers, human resource executives, training departments, leadership development professionals, and technical leaders make informed decisions for learning alternatives in the corporate workplace.
Background
The research was based on the initial hypothesis of “practical (hands-on) informal learning is critical for technical leaders and this mode of learning more important than formal learning programs.” The reason I developed this hypothesis was based on my personal experience in the field. I am a technical leader and have experienced the benefits of informal learning in the workplace.