With the Expo 2020 expected to create almost 300,000 jobs, we will see another rush towards importing learning practices and implementing the latest trends in the learning world. With a focus on Emiritisation and companies taking on board locals, who go through a fast tracked development path, some thought needs to be put into the learning practices which are effective in these cultures.
During the downturn of 2008 there was a trend in the market of outsourcing Learning and Development and a high number of consultants were “imported”. These consultants claimed to have worked in different cultures and be culturally synthesized. However, in practice there was no evidence of this within company cultures. As we approach 2020, investment in research and a focus on adopting culturally suitable models to ensure global roll outs dont fall flat needs to be instigated.
By understanding the underlying cultural values and learning approaches, as Learning and Development professionals we can work on developing strategies, where models can be fine-tuned into effectiveness rather than using a drag and drop approach.
For example, what worked for me when I was given the enormous task of an e-learning roll out in a culturally complex environment, was to make it into an activity where the entire team or a select group completed the e-learning modules together. This allowed participation and discussion as a group activity, rather than only incorporating it into the individual development plans through the performance management systems.
Fundamentally learning takes place in learners who “want to learn” and accept learning as a value addition exercise. Therefore, where there is conflict with the learners primary cultural values, this may defeat the learning purpose. In this case, learning interventions will only be followed through a stick and carrot approach (rating and bonus approach), with little retention and implementation of learning in the work place. In preparation for the growth in economy and job market, it is crucial that learning professionals realize the risks and implications of adopting and rolling out global learning programs without localization and increase their focus on cultural synthesization of learning practices.
