Did we learn everything we need to know in school? : An evaluation of executive workplace learning in healthcare organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of different workplace learning models in healthcare organizations and examine whether these learning styles and activities differ across hierarchical level. Design/methodology/approach – Results of a survey of US healthcare executives and executive‐track employees were analyzed ( n =492). The survey asked for information on workplace learning style, hierarchical position, and workplace learning opportunities. Findings – Employees at all levels of the organization report learning in a variety of ways in the workplace, including through transmission, experience, communities of practice, competence, and activity. However, employees at lower hierarchical levels report fewer workplace learning opportunities than those at higher levels. Research limitations/implications – The study utilizes cross‐sectional data on healthcare executives who are relatively homogenous with regard to race and gender. Practical implications – The results of the study are positive in that a variety of workplace learning opportunities are available to executives and executive‐track employees. However, placing more emphasis on the development of director and manager level employees would further enhance the talent pool for executive level leadership in US hospitals. Originality/value – The study demonstrates differences in learning styles and opportunities for learning across hierarchical level.