Developmental Relationships that Foster Learning Transfer at Work

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Tessa Forshaw  

This study explores the role of developmental relationships in facilitating learning transfer among working learners transitioning to new and novel role types. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 early to mid-career strategy consultants from two multinational consulting firms. Data was analyzed using abductive thematic analysis. Two main themes emerged: 1) Experienced others model transferring knowledge, learning, work products, and experiences to novel contexts, and 2) Experienced others intentionally promote active collaboration with their team members. The study highlights learning transfer as a sociocultural process fostered by developmental relationships within organizational contexts. It emphasizes the need to focus on the quality of these relationships in learning environments and developing managers as facilitators of learning transfer.