Technology-mediated management learning in hospitality organisations

This study examines the role of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in management learning and development in hospitality organisations. Managers who search for authentic social knowledge are most likely to use learning management systems, company intranets, email applications and search engines. Managers who look for personal knowledge are most likely to select search engines, online audio or video communication applications, telephone conferencing and customer online community websites. This study provides evidence that e-learning practices in management development do not fully support managers’ learning. The paper lastly offers solutions to address this mismatch.

► eLearning in management learning and development conveys different (i.e., social or personal) knowledge within a different learning context.
► Hospitality managers who search for authentic social knowledge are most likely to use learning management systems, company intranets, email applications and search engines.
► Managers who look for personal knowledge are most likely to select search engines, online audio or video communications, telephone conferencing and customer online community websites.
► eLearning practices in management development in hospitality organisations do not fully cultivate managers’ learning.