Users' preferential factors in Web-based e-learning systems for ease of workplace learning in Korea

•The users' preferential factors are examined in Web-based e-learning systems (WLS).•The factors for increasing the ease of workplace learning are examined.•Service related factors are more important than other factors.

While a number of studies investigated informal learning in Web-based environments and usability, the users' preferential factors affecting workplace learning in Web-based e-learning systems (WLS) have not been examined in detail in Korea. In this regard, the major purpose of this study is to investigate the users' preferential factors of ease of workplace learning in Korean WLS business organizations.A total of 517 employees from five major conglomerate groups in Korea participated in a Web-based training course and answered the survey questionnaire. Four feedback and service related factors are important, which can be explained by high-context culture of Korea. With the understandings of conservative cultural effect of high-context in Korea, instructors can start to find the required special designs considering feedback and service-related factors as well as contents for successful Web-based learning systems.