What is the impact of different learning styles on the transfer of learning in an organization?

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Research background

Learning is said to be a vital component for any organization to ensure that the organization adapts, improves and innovates at the same time. It is only possible if the proper mode of learning style is adopted in terms of VAKT approach. All organizations regardless of the market it caters to or the kind of products or services they provide are conditioned to learn due to the consequences of their actions. Amidst the process of learning we also become conditioned to not only identifying our problems but also instantly resolve them. In order to ensure that the organization to evolve at a micro and a macro level and develop itself it becomes mandatory for the organization to implement different types of learning (Easterby, 2003b).

Organizational learning, development, and change are basic concepts. Only organizations that learn about themselves, their virtues, the mistakes, successes and failures, are prepared to adapt to the changing business world these days and times to come. Organizational Learning has been studied by a large number of theorists and researchers from divergent schools and disciplines. They all have differing views but come to similar conclusions, including the most important concept that organizational learning generates innovation and change processes, in lifestyles and attitudes of integrating organizations (Easterby, 2003a).

VAKT Approach (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, & Tactile)

The mode of learning as well the rate of transfer of learning are said to be vital when it comes to understanding the process via which competencies can be developed in an individual. Learning is said to be crucial when it comes to functioning effectively as an adult in an organization. Consequently it becomes vital to comprehend with the kind and types learning experiences that eventually lead to the transfer of learning in an organization which in turn defines the capability to implement the knowledge that has been learnt in a particular context and implemented in a new context. There are three modes of learning which have been combined together to form the VAK learning style. VAK approach is said to constitute visual, Kinesthetic and auditory movement. This particular approach is also known as the VAKT approach which means the visual, auditory, kinesthetic as well as the tactile approach (Crossan, 1999).

Auditory learning Style: Auditory learning style is said to be apt for auditory learners that do not prefer reading and writing oriented tasks. They prefer didactic style of teaching which involves lectures and seminars where there are presentations made with futile text and more of verbal communication. This mode of learning involves the Socratic Method whereby there is constant lecturing and the listeners are expected to draw as much information as they possibly can and then the information gap that is present can be filled from their own expertise. Such learning style adopts tools that can aid an effective transfer of learning into the organization. Such mode utilizes auditory oriented activities such as brainstorming which gives ample time to ...