Learning on their own: Vocationally oriented self-directed learning projects

There has been growing interest in the application of self-directed learning to the workplace. Because this emerging literature tends to be prescriptive, little is known about the types and occurrence of job-related self-directed learning. The exploratory research reported here investigated two basic associated issues: Are there different types of vocationally oriented self-directed learning projects (VO SDLPs). And what organizational or individual factors affect their occurrence? Fifty-six nonexempt employees from five organizations were interviewed to identify the VO SDLPs they had undertaken in the prior year. Using a grounded theory approach, three main kinds were detected: induced, synergistic, and voluntary. A model for understanding the occurrence of these VO SDLPs was developed and presented.