E-education-keys to success for organisations

Fundamental to success of organisations in the knowledge economy is how such organisations cultivate learning and retain knowledge. E-learning can aid an organisation in developing its knowledge base (Harun, 2002; Wild et al. 2002). E-learning is instructional content or learning experience delivered or enabled by electronic technologies. For e-learning to become a core part of the training strategy of organisations they need to be clear of the business benefits it delivers (Acton and Golden, 2001; Little, 2001; Mann and Robertson, 1996; Young, 2002). However, research indicates that instructor-led training is still the most popular and most used training method within organisations (Acton and Golden, 2001; O'Donnell and Garavan, 2003). This paper presents a study that identifies key areas where organisational knowledge transfer through electronic modes of education can out-perform and surpass more traditional methods. In particular the study compares e-learning with traditional instructor-led classroom training with respect to learner goals, as well as identifying conditions under which 'e' methods benefit the organisation. Findings indicate that when organisational strategic goals are aligned with a managed approach to knowledge transfer, and when employee requirements are identified and central to training procedures, 'e' delivery of training can increase the knowledge base and improve employee satisfaction and competencies.