What is Informal Learning and What are its Antecedents? An Integrative and Meta-Analytic Review

Workplace learning is critical to organizations. Hundreds of studies and over a dozen meta-analyses have explored the nature and effectiveness of formal learning in the workplace. Several review chapters and texts have integrated formal learning research findings to aid practitioners and future research. However, not all learning occurs formally. There is a growing consensus that the bulk of learning takes place experientially and informally, with estimates that 70 to 90 of all organizational learning occurs outside of formal training. Given that there has been little systematic treatment of informal learning, we provide a review and synthesis of the literature with two goals. First, we provide an intuitive framework to conceptualize the broader organizational learning domain, using it to position and define informal learning. Second, we utilize an interactionist perspective to explore environmental and personal factors that either enhance or deter informal learning. We then present a series of meta-analyses of existing data to highlight what is known and uncover what is unknown about antecedents of informal learning. We conclude with an agenda for further theorizing and research to promote the understanding and application of informal learning principles in organizations.