How VUCA is changing the learning landscape – and how curiosity can help

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe four ways learning professionals can harness curiosity to navigate learning environments marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of theory and research on curiosity, VUCA, and learning and development challenges was conducted.

Findings

When applied to talent development, the attributes of curiosity (inquisitiveness, openness, creativity, and disruption tolerance) can help learning professionals innovate their offerings.

Practical implications

Organizational development and learning professionals are encouraged to implement measures for harnessing the power of curiosity within their processes to optimize their organizations’ learning programs.

Originality/value

VUCA has placed significant pressures on learning professionals to continually evolve employee development offerings to keep pace with dynamic organizational skill needs. Curiosity is presented as a plausible mechanism for enabling learning professionals to more successfully navigate these pressures.

Citation

Horstmeyer, A. (2019), "How VUCA is changing the learning landscape – and how curiosity can help", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-09-2018-0119