'Beyond Formal Learning Network Structures: An Exploration of Evolving Learning Communities in the Micro-Firm Environment.'

This research will explore the structures and relationships in evolving micro-firm learning communities, following formal learning interventions. Little is known about the formation, maintenance or success of these types of learning relationships after formal structures and supports reach a conclusion (Bessant and Francis, 1999) and less is known about the process of socialisation, norms and relationship variables in these types of ELCs over time. This research will build on the findings of a previous research study (Reinl, 2008) that provided evidence that relational processes and formal network structures accelerate individual micro-firm owner/manager learning. What is not known is how learning structures and relational processes evolve in learning communities over time, particularly when formal learning support ends, and this is the purpose of the proposed research study. The construction and development of ELCs has not been explored previously to the best of the researcher’s knowledge. Gaining an understanding of the evolving learning structures and relational processes at play in these learning communities is the purpose of the proposed research study.

An interpretivist research approach will enable the researcher to ‘induct theory’ (Eisenhardt, 1989) through the completion of three longitudinal cases. Each case will incorporate a number of interviews with key community ‘learning leaders’ and focus group sessions and observational data will permit the capture of a range of experiences and preferences.

Kolb’s (1976) learning model provides a suitable baseline to explore individual learning while Lave and Wenger’s (1991) community of practice learning theory will illuminate an understanding of the learning structures and relationships within ELCs  and assist with the refinement of the learning community framework.