Employee perceptions of workplace learning

M.Phil.This study was aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of employees' perceptions of workplace learning. It furthermore represents a documentation of these perceptions in the form of this report. The essay examines perspectives on workplace learning, literature on "learning organisations", as well as the current legislative framework for workplace learning, as provided by the Skills Development Act. This report highlights aspects of the Act that are congruent with learning organisation theory. A qualitative research design was utilised for exploring the perceptions of employees for this study. The primary data collection instrument was semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with participants in the workplace context. Thereafter, data was analysed using the constant comparative method in order to search for recurring themes and patterns. Findings which emerged from the data analysis reveal that Human Resources, which is currently an outsourced function of the organisation in question, needs to be an integral part of organisational life to coordinate and account for learning. Furthermore, a more coordinated system of knowledge management is required within the workplace in order to encourage learning, and provide information and serve as institutional memory. The third finding involves the creation of an enabling environment that will enhance learning within the workplace. The creation of a knowledge base, as well as having someone in the workplace responsible for learning, concurs with aspects of the Skills Development Act, as well as learning organisation theory