COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES VIA IN-HOUSE NETWORKS

Abstract: The purpose of this research project was to seek greater understanding of how competence development processes may be developed through in-house workplace networks. The problem faced was that within the realms of competence development in networks there was an abundance of information both scientific and general regarding interactive, internet based social networks as learning communities. However scientific knowledge regarding competence development processes within in-house workplace networks seemed few and far between resulting in a knowledge gap. A hermeneutic approach was thus followed with aim to seek answers to the question “what are the experienced conditions of in-house networks (limitations and support) with regards to worker competence development processes”? Empirical findings revealed that processes surrounding the in-house network structure, organisational aims effecting the networks, social participation and individual inner processes were all experienced as conditions of in-house networks. Interpretation concluded that involvement, practice and reflection processes which are structured into in-house networks encourage competence development on individual, group and organisation levels.