IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CORPORATE UNIVERSITY AND TRENDS

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to identify the main actions adopted by Corporate Universities (CUs) during the COVID-19 pandemic period, as well as trends for the post-pandemic period. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted on Scopus and Web of Science databases. A questionnaire was developed and validated by experts in the field of Corporate Education, and the survey link was made available on the Qualtrics platform to those involved or interested in the topic. Interviews were also conducted with executives from CUs of large Brazilian organizations during the pandemic period. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, as well as content analysis of the interviews. As a result, the main actions taken by CUs focused on the qualification of their instructors, leaders, and professionals. There was an increase in investments by CUs, with an emphasis on the adoption of digital technologies, accompanied by actions aimed at engagement, motivation, and emotional well-being. The main trends for the post-COVID-19 period point to the expansion of short-term hybrid courses and changes in business models to adapt to the new challenges generated by the pandemic. One of the main consequences of the pandemic is the considerable recognition, by employees of organizations, users, and leaders of CUs, of the importance of social and humanities approaches adopted by them. Furthermore, it is understood that the relevant role of CUs tends to be reinforced based on the increasing value of the notion of sustainability in their courses and managerial training practices aimed at the sustainable development of organizations and society.