Factors influencing employee learning in small businesses

Purpose The purpose of this research is to identify key factors influencing employee learning from the perspective of owners/managers. Design/methodology/research Data were gathered from owners/managers in a total of 27 small manufacturing and services firms through interviews and analysed using content analytic procedures. Findings The research found that the key factors influencing employee learning could be categorised into four main themes: factors in the external business environment; factors in the work environment; learning potential of the job itself; and learning orientations of employees. Research limitations/implications Categorisation of the factors produces a preliminary framework that might guide future research. The factors identified in this study need to be supplemented by factors identified through further research to develop a comprehensive framework. Practical implications The findings could assist in raising owners'/managers' awareness of the key factors influencing employee learning. Categorisation of the factors could help owners/managers cope with the many factors. Originality/value The paper attempts to bring some coherence to the study of employee knowledge and skill acquisition in small firms through identifying and categorising key factors influencing employee learning.