Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop a measurement instrument which measures workplace learning and reflects the connections between quality, learning and brain functioning. 

Design/ Approach/ Methodology

A literature review is conducted, investigating measures of workplace learning as well as the connections between brain functioning and management. Further studies will use the Brain Integration Scale, whether the brain functions in isolated units or as an integrated whole, calculated from brain waves measured during two reaction-time tasks, to compare levels of brain integration with measures of quality and learning.

 Findings

The dimensions “empathy”, “integrity”, “presence and communication”, “influence”, “development”, “being informed”, “work-integrated learning” and “flow” were found to be relevant from the literature review to be tested for inclusion in the measurement instrument. Other measures which has shown to be correlated with high brain integration could be included as well. 

Practical implication

High organisational change requires continuous flexibility of leaders and co-workers, which can lead to poor health. The proposed measurement instrument can be used by managers togain insight into underlying mechanisms in the organisational culture that influence employees´ learning and potential for development. It could be used as a first step for improvements “to break the ice”.

Orginality/value

Traditional ways of measuring working environment are rarely connected to brain functioning of the employees. Only requiring small resources, this approach adds to an understanding of underlying mechanisms.