A Method and Tool to Promote Knowledge Brokering in Cross-Boundary Learning for Organizational Learning and Career Development

Workers who take classes outside their workplaces can advance their careers through the knowledge acquired in those classes. Additionally, organizations are also able to acquire knowledge from outside the organization through working learners. However, there are some problems such as weathering of experience and persecution when learners try to apply their newly gained knowledge. Although the effects and features of cross-boundary learning have been proved by previous studies, a concrete and practical method for solving the associated issues does not exist yet. This study thus analyzes knowledge brokering in cross-boundary learning aimed at promoting organizational learning and career development. To solve these problems, the authors developed a method and a tool. The method combines existing models, based on requirements such as "autonomously learn and practice," "understand the different values between communities," and "practice learning by his/her initiative." A tool to constantly review learners’ experiences supports the execution of the method. As a result of a three-month experiment involving 49 working students of a graduate school, the authors confirmed that the use of the method and tool promoted knowledge brokering in cross-boundary learning. The authors expect that the method and tool will be utilized by individuals, graduate schools or companies.