The Interlevel Learning Process and the Development of Competences

Abstract

This study aimed at discussing and exploring the connections between organizational learning and the development of individual, functional and organizational competences. This longitudinal qualitative research investigated three groups of managers about the learning processes in the individual, group and organizational levels. The results allowed the identification of the diffusion of competences through the interactive and team work; through the exchange of experiences with experts; in meetings; in the development of projects and in an informal way. The results also allowed the proposition of the notion of organizational learning and competence development for inter-levels. The main obstacle to be overcome to achieve such integration is to substitute the tendency of thinking in terms of fixed categories of learning and work with the notion of dynamic processes, in which the group level is fundamental. The article concludes suggesting an agenda for future studies on the connections between the processes of organizational learning and the development of competences. Key-words: Organizational learning. Competences development. Learning inter-levels.