Work design theory: A review and critique with implications for human resource development

Torraco, Richard J.

doi:10.1002/hrdq.1125

Cited by 101 publications

(103 citation statements)

References 98 publications

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“…structure and components of activity and communication. From the viewpoint of human resource development Torraco (2005) reviews work design perspectives, in which activity theory is also included. He underlines the need for multilevel work design theory and proposes activity theory as a basis for further development of multilevel work design theory.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of sermon policy instruments: forest management planning practices applying the activity theory approach

Hokajärvi¹,

Hujala²,

Leskinen³

et al. 2009

Silva Fenn.

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Recent and ongoing societal changes have brought about a need to foster multiple-use forestry and to strengthen customer orientation in family forestry outreach. The study assesses how forest management planning in family forest holdings could be developed to tackle these challenges. The approach introduces a new way of evaluating the effectiveness of information-and communication-based policy instruments. Here, the cultural-historical activity theory is applied in studying the interwoven practices of present-day planning and the associated advisory services targeted at landowners. The data, comprising semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 professional planners, were qualitatively examined, and a forest management planning activity model was constructed with the emphasis placed on the inherent contradictions of planning work. As the main contradiction, the forest and the forest owner compete as objects. The aims of making the forest productive and advising the landowners towards an increased activeness motivate forest management planning but the planners feel that they lack the opportunity to respond to the needs of the landowner. A wood-productionemphasizing interpretation of the benefits to the national economy frustrates the policy goal of genuinely promoting the goals of multiple-use forestry. The conclusion drawn is that the actors engaged in forest management planning can reveal the needs for change by discussing their opinions and practical innovations. This can be done with the aid of facilitation by e.g. researchers oriented to developmental work study.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of sermon policy instruments: forest management planning practices applying the activity theory approach

Hokajärvi¹,

Hujala²,

Leskinen³

et al. 2009

Silva Fenn.

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“…Informal learning is the result of natural opportunities to learn, and thus interactions occurring during the individual' s everyday working life are important sources for informal learning. However, the close connections between working and learning make it difficult to distinguish informal learning from working (Ellström, 2001;Eraut, 2000;Torraco, 1999Torraco, , 2005. Stated differently, adult learning-and perhaps learning in general-is clearly situated within the activity in which it takes place (Lave & Wenger, 1991;Wenger, 1998).…”

Section: Perspective On Learningmentioning

confidence: 96%

Learning in interactive work situations: It takes two to tango; why not invite both partners to dance?

Koopmans

Doornbos

Eekelen

2006

Human Resource Development Quarterly

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“…The content and design of work determine the characteristics of work and influence, therefore, the psychophysical interactions taking place between employees and the objects, tools, results, and events that comprise their work (e.g. Grant and Parker 2009;Torraco 2005). The characteristics of work play a major role in promoting or hindering the cognitive, affective, and psychomotoric learning processes (see Collin 2006).…”

Section: Normative Models Of Learning-conducive Work and Organizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Routine-Generating and Regenerative Workplace Learning

Kira

2010

Vocations and Learning

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The research discussed in this article focuses on workplace learning in industrial manufacturing work. Everyday work episodes contributing to workplace learning are investigated in four companies operating in the Finnish and Swedish package-supplier sectors. The research adopts a qualitative, interpretive approach. Interviews with employees and managers along with workplace observations were used to gather data on work and learning. The findings indicate that workplace learning may have two purposes: routine-generating learning that contributes to the basic job mastery, and regenerative learning that promotes employees' ongoing competence and generates new work methods. Routine-generating learning occurs when an employee joins an organization and is planned, supported, and assessed in the companies. However, the lack of job rotation delimits further routine-generating learning. Regenerative learning takes place at the individual level but is not adequately supported at the collective level. The paper advances practical ideas on how to promote these two instances of workplace learning in industrial work.

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Work design theory: A review and critique with implications for human resource development

Cited by 101 publications

References 98 publications

Effectiveness of sermon policy instruments: forest management planning practices applying the activity theory approach

Effectiveness of sermon policy instruments: forest management planning practices applying the activity theory approach

Learning in interactive work situations: It takes two to tango; why not invite both partners to dance?

Routine-Generating and Regenerative Workplace Learning

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