Collective Learning Processes and Human Resource Development

Collective learning is important to both human resource development (HRD) researchers and practitioners. Collective learning is a broad term and includes learning between dyads, teams, organizations, communities, and societies. Most conceptions of collective learning highlight characteristics such as relationships, shared vision and meanings, mental models and cognitive and behavioral learning. Collective learning processes pose challenges for both HRD research and practice. For researchers, we need to more fully understand how collective learning processes occur, the factors that affect collective learning, and the emergent nature of collective learning. For practitioners, the challenge concerns whether collective learning can be planned, structured, and managed.