IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/palcom/v11y2024i1d10.1057_s41599-024-02693-3.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Lifelong learning in the workplace: the knowledge management role of corporate universities in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yuhang Han

    (Tongji University)

  • Yi Zhou

    (Yangtze River Delta National Innovation Center
    Shanghai Jiaotong University)

  • Sarah Carr

    (University of Otago)

  • Jiaoyan Jiang

    (Shanghai Institute for Science of Science
    East China Normal University)

Abstract

In the current era of constant change, both employees and enterprises face the daunting challenge of lifelong learning. To address enterprises’ dissatisfaction with the knowledge provided by traditional universities, a growing number of corporate universities are being established, representing a crucial strategic pathway for enterprises. This study thus adopts the coding methodology of grounded theory to analyze the internal mechanism of a sample of seven corporate universities in China enabling organizations’ lifelong learning. Adopting the knowledge-based view (KBV), this study also identifies how corporate universities empower organizations, establishing a path model whose paths include “generating strategic knowledge”, “sharing business knowledge”, “optimizing governance knowledge” and “transforming cultural knowledge”. Accordingly, this study establishes a theoretical path model and explores how to empower organizations’ lifelong learning in the context of China. Moreover, our qualitative conclusions not only enrich the literature on corporate universities and their complex functions concerning lifelong learning and knowledge management but also have important implications for managers in enterprises and corporate universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuhang Han & Yi Zhou & Sarah Carr & Jiaoyan Jiang, 2024. "Lifelong learning in the workplace: the knowledge management role of corporate universities in China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-02693-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-02693-3
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41599-024-02693-3
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s41599-024-02693-3?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tachia Chin & Yin Yang & Pei Zhang & Xiaofen Yu & Luying Cao, 2019. "Co-creation of Social Innovation: Corporate Universities as Innovative Strategies for Chinese Firms to Engage with Society," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Claudia Vaderna & Robert Home & Paola Migliorini & Dirk Roep, 2022. "Overcoming divergence: managing expectations from organisers and members in community supported agriculture in Switzerland," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Louis Rhéaume & Mickaël Gardoni, 2017. "Infocom business models innovation with the development of corporate universities," International Journal of Innovation and Learning, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 21(1), pages 98-113.
    4. Oleg Badunenko & Deni Mazrekaj & Subal C. Kumbhakar & Kristof Witte, 2021. "Persistent and transient inefficiency in adult education," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 60(6), pages 2925-2942, June.
    5. Satumari John Wafudu & Yusri Bin Kamin & Daniel Marcel, 2022. "Validity and reliability of a questionnaire developed to explore quality assurance components for teaching and learning in vocational and technical education," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    6. Robert M. Grant, 1996. "Prospering in Dynamically-Competitive Environments: Organizational Capability as Knowledge Integration," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 7(4), pages 375-387, August.
    7. Yunqi Chen & Yusen Xu & Kehang Ma & Aimeng Chen, 2023. "The knowledge system and organisational learning sequences of enterprises serving the elderly: evidence from China," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(4), pages 677-690, July.
    8. Blanden, Jo & Buscha, Franz & Sturgis, Patrick & Urwin, Peter, 2012. "Measuring the earnings returns to lifelong learning in the UK," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 501-514.
    9. Antonio Alonso-Gonzalez & Marta Peris-Ortiz & Jordi Mauri-Castello, 2017. "Collaborative Networks Between Corporate Universities, Customers, and SMEs: Integrating Strategy Towards Value Creation," Innovation, Technology, and Knowledge Management, in: Marta Peris-Ortiz & João J. Ferreira (ed.), Cooperative and Networking Strategies in Small Business, chapter 0, pages 197-205, Springer.
    10. Oleg Badunenko & Deni Mazrekaj & Subal C. Kumbhakar & Kristof Witte, 2021. "Correction to: Persistent and transient inefficiency in adult education," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 61(6), pages 3559-3560, December.
    11. Christian Viergutz & Sigrid Knust, 2014. "Integrated production and distribution scheduling with lifespan constraints," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 213(1), pages 293-318, February.
    12. Jack A. Nickerson & Todd R. Zenger, 2004. "A Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm—The Problem-Solving Perspective," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(6), pages 617-632, December.
    13. Singh, Sanjay Kumar & Gupta, Shivam & Busso, Donatella & Kamboj, Shampy, 2021. "Top management knowledge value, knowledge sharing practices, open innovation and organizational performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 788-798.
    14. Côrte-Real, Nadine & Oliveira, Tiago & Ruivo, Pedro, 2017. "Assessing business value of Big Data Analytics in European firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 379-390.
    15. Vibhav Singh & Surabhi Verma & Sushil S. Chaurasia, 2020. "Mapping the themes and intellectual structure of corporate university: co-citation and cluster analyses," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 122(3), pages 1275-1302, March.
    16. Chen, Chung-Jen & Huang, Jing-Wen, 2009. "Strategic human resource practices and innovation performance -- The mediating role of knowledge management capacity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 62(1), pages 104-114, January.
    17. Zuomiao Xie & Shiqi Yuan & Jinjing Zhu & Alistair Palferman, 2023. "Dynamic value sharing based on employee contribution as a competitiveness-enhancing device," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Kyle J. Mayer & Deepak Somaya & Ian O. Williamson, 2012. "Firm-Specific, Industry-Specific, and Occupational Human Capital and the Sourcing of Knowledge Work," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(5), pages 1311-1329, October.
    2. Shikha N. Khera & Karishma Gulati, 2015. "Training Methods and Tacit Knowledge Sharing: Evidence from IT Organizations," Jindal Journal of Business Research, , vol. 4(1-2), pages 11-26, June.
    3. Oerlemans, Leon & Chan, K.Y. & Knoben, Joris & Vermeulen, P.A.M., 2018. "Structural and geographical conditions for exploitative innovation : Evidence from South African manufacturing firms," Other publications TiSEM 4abcf615-a0d4-49ef-ba25-c, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    4. Filipe M. Santos & Kathleen M. Eisenhardt, 2005. "Organizational Boundaries and Theories of Organization," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(5), pages 491-508, October.
    5. Badunenko, Oleg & Myeki, Lindikaya W, 2023. "Multidimensional Analysis of Attainment of Higher Education Goals in South Africa’s Public Universities: Access, Quality, Diversity, Success and Efficiency," MPRA Paper 121570, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Badunenko, Oleg & D’Inverno, Giovanna & De Witte, Kristof, 2023. "On distinguishing the direct causal effect of an intervention from its efficiency-enhancing effects," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 310(1), pages 432-447.
    7. Kim, Jaemin & Dibrell, Clay & Kraft, Ellen & Marshall, David, 2021. "Data analytics and performance: The moderating role of intuition-based HR management in major league baseball," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 204-216.
    8. Elisa Rodepeter & Christoph Gschnaidtner & Hanna Hottenrott, 2024. "Big Data and Start-up Performance," Working Papers 232, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).
    9. Nayak, Bishwajit & Bhattacharyya, Som Sekhar & Krishnamoorthy, Bala, 2022. "Exploring the black box of competitive advantage – An integrated bibliometric and chronological literature review approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 964-982.
    10. Sears, Joshua B., 2018. "Post-acquisition integrative versus independent innovation: A story of dueling success factors," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(9), pages 1688-1699.
    11. Olabode, Oluwaseun E. & Boso, Nathaniel & Hultman, Magnus & Leonidou, Constantinos N., 2022. "Big data analytics capability and market performance: The roles of disruptive business models and competitive intensity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1218-1230.
    12. Aseem Kaul, 2013. "Entrepreneurial Action, Unique Assets, and Appropriation Risk: Firms as a Means of Appropriating Profit from Capability Creation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(6), pages 1765-1781, December.
    13. Yan, Tingting & Azadegan, Arash, 2017. "Comparing inter-organizational new product development strategies: Buy or ally; Supply-chain or non-supply-chain partners?," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 183(PA), pages 21-38.
    14. Shin, Duckjung & Woodwark, Meredith J. & Konrad, Alison M. & Jung, Yongsuhk, 2022. "Innovation strategy, voice practices, employee voice participation, and organizational innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 392-402.
    15. Nieves, Julia & Haller, Sabine, 2014. "Building dynamic capabilities through knowledge resources," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 224-232.
    16. Sai Yayavaram & Wei-Ru Chen, 2015. "Changes in firm knowledge couplings and firm innovation performance: The moderating role of technological complexity," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(3), pages 377-396, March.
    17. Ye Dai & Gukdo Byun & Fangsheng Ding, 2019. "The Direct and Indirect Impact of Gender Diversity in New Venture Teams on Innovation Performance," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 43(3), pages 505-528, May.
    18. Nicolai j. Foss & Lars Frederiksen & Francesco Rullani, 2016. "Problem‐formulation and problem‐solving in self‐organized communities: How modes of communication shape project behaviors in the free open‐source software community," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(13), pages 2589-2610, December.
    19. Raja Roy & MB Sarkar, 2016. "Knowledge, firm boundaries, and innovation: Mitigating the incumbent's curse during radical technological change," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(5), pages 835-854, May.
    20. Rodepeter, Elisa & Gschnaidtner, Christoph & Hottenrott, Hanna, 2024. "Big Data and Start-up Performance," VfS Annual Conference 2024 (Berlin): Upcoming Labor Market Challenges 302358, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-02693-3. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.nature.com/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.