Design Principles at the Edge of the Designable: Non-formal and Informal Learning in SMEs

Abstract

Informal learning is defined as the learning process which occurs in the workplace and is neither determined nor designed by an organization. Designing a methodology for identification and recognition of non-formal and informal learning could help managers to give employees a better autonomy and better forms of experiential learning and skills. So the main goal is to explore and describe in depth the organizational concept of informal learning. It is fundamental also to understand and improve in depth the recognition of non-formal and informal learning acquired by employees in SMEs, as a central part of lifelong learning processes. This is an essential feature to find the designability edge at which organizational systems designers can effectively operate to enable learning to occur. The reflections transpired have important implications about the development of detailed procedures for the accreditation of informal learning in the workplace.