e-Learning effectiveness in interconnected corporate learning environments

Abstract

Approaches to workplace learning are continuously evolving to support business objectives but learning and development practitioners are not delivering on their mandate of developing relevant competencies which deliver on strategic objectives. Globally, the proportion of e-Learning to instructor led training is growing and the investment in e-Learning is steadily increasing. Executives expect to see better alignment of e-Learning initiatives and a proven return on investment. In order to earn their place at the executive boardroom, learning and development practitioners need to understand and align their programmes to the context of the business environment in order to positively influence business performance.This research set out to investigate the relationship between the corporate learning environment and e-Learning programme effectiveness using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was completed by 50 corporate learning and development practitioners. It explored e-Learning programme effectiveness and the configuration of learning environments in relation to a corporate learning environment interconnectedness model proposed in this research. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression modelling were used to determine the relationship between the environment and e-Learning programme effectiveness. The strongest environmental predictors as well as the current perception of e-Learning programme effectiveness within these environments were also identified.The corporate learning environment was found to be significantly correlated with e-Learning programme effectiveness, specifically in driving higher order benefits of e-Learning programme effectiveness, behaviour change and return on investment. The two strongest predictors of e-Learning programme effectiveness in the corporate learning environment were found to be the definition of clear learning outcomes as well as the provision of opportunities for collaboration in the context of learning. The proposed model of corporate learning environment interconnectedness was also validated and found to be reliable.