Integrating a dynamic capabilities framework into workplace e‐learning process evaluations

The goal of workplace e‐learning programmes is to improve employee capabilities in order to enhance organisations' performance. However, notions of sustained performance in strategic management have moved from measures of production and profit to innovation and adaptation. We therefore suggest that the design and evaluation of e‐learning should also be consistent with the dynamic capabilities framework, which suggests that sustained superior performance results from an organisation's ongoing ability to alter operational routines in line with environmental requirements. With the intent of showing how e‐learning can be configured and evaluated to support the development of dynamic capabilities, we present findings of an exploratory qualitative study that examines e‐learning processes and evaluations in 12 New Zealand organisations. Our analysis reveals that organisations operating in more dynamic environments are likely to use e‐learning to support innovative and adaptive processes, and evaluate their e‐learning accordingly. This study's findings expand our overall understanding of the dynamic capabilities concept, and shows how e‐learning can be aligned to the achievement of more fluid objectives.