Formal training stimulates follow-up participation in informal learning: A three-wave study

Informal learning among employees is an important source of employee adaptability and expertise, yet it is unclear how participation may be encouraged through HRM practices. In this study, we investigate how the specific practice of formal training may be used to stimulate follow-up informal learning activities. Using a sample of 430 participants in 52 work teams, we adopt a three-wave longitudinal design to examine changes in informal learning activities over two years. We examine changes in two types of autonomous informal learning activities (reflection and keeping up to date), and three collaborative activities (asking for feedback, knowledge sharing and innovative behavior). The provision of formal training opportunities was positively related to all five types of informal learning activities. Moreover, HRM system strength intensified these relationships for all learning activities, with the exception of asking for feedback. Managerial implications of these findings for encouraging informal learning activities at work are discussed.