Internal learning environment, enabling transformation of a traditional worker into a knowledge worker: following the example of tourism organizations

The work consists of a theoretical and practical part. The theoretical part, which is based on reliable scientific literature by Lithuanian and foreign authors, covers an analysis of the concept of a learning organization and an identification of environment conditions of an internal organization, enhancing employee motivation towards learning. Key factors, affecting transformation of a traditional worker into a knowledge worker, are also identified. A qualitative data collection method (interview) was chosen for the research. Employees of Kaunas travel agencies (n = 5), focusing on outbound tourism, participated in the interview. The content of responses was analyzed using qualitative content analysis method. Conclusions were made on the basis of data analysis. Keywords: organizational learning, learning environment, learning organization, knowledge worker, competence. The object of the research was the learning environment inside an organization. The problem: What factors of an internal environmental should determine transformation of a traditional worker into a knowledge worker. The aim of the research was to identify and evaluate internal factors of an organizational environment enabling transformation of a traditional worker into a knowledge worker. Hypothesis: internal organizational learning environment affects transformation of traditional workers into knowledge workers. To achieve the aim of the research, the following objectives were set: 1. To define the concept of \"knowledge\" at the organization’s level, excluding intangible knowledge management strategies in shaping the learning environment of an organization; 2. Investigate the concept of the organizational learning environment and to highlight its influence on the overall performance efficiency. 3. Accentuate the role of human capital in shaping internal organizational learning environment; 4. To reveal the factors enabling the transformation of the traditional worker into knowledge worker in the learning tourism organization's environment. Conclusions The main internal environmental factors of the travel agencies that influence the transformation of the tourism organization's traditional workers into knowledge workers were determined by qualitative content analysis: - Strong organizational culture; - Formation of structural units and decentralized management structure; - The application of the system stimulating worker’s motivation; - Formation of learning environment in the organization; - Organizational environment, in which the teamwork is initiated; - Adequate assessment of qualified and competent workers; - Professional and personal qualities, that are formed by the learning environment of an organization, allowing to talk about a learning organization model; - Assessment of the relation of an organization with the external environment; - Human resource development strategy of an organization, focused on the human resource development