Workplace Learning in International NGOs: The Case of Aflatoun International

Abstract

Workplace learning is vital both for individual development and organizational effectiveness, especially for organizations operating in dynamic and unpredictable environments, such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Despite its significance, NGOs often struggle to prioritize workplace learning. This research explores how education specialists at Aflatoun International, a youth-focused international NGO, experience and contribute to workplace learning. Using semi-structured interviews, the study investigates formal and informal workplace learning practices, along with perceived enablers and barriers. Findings suggest that learning primarily occurs through informal means, it’s enhanced by the organization’s cultural diversity and frequently constrained by limited resources. While workplace learning is often solely examined through managerial lenses, this study offers valuable insights from the education specialists’ perspectives. Future research could expand by comparing practices across multiple NGOs.