Estilos de aprendizagem e grupos geracionais: um estudo de caso numa distribuidora de energia elétrica

Abstract

This study has as main objective investigate the learning styles, according Kolb's approach, between distinct generational groups. The importance of this issue is due to the context of competitiveness which organizations are embedded. The domain over the information, knowledge management and generational differences are relevant tools to the organizations create a favorable organizational environment to the management and maintenance of knowledge between the distinct contributor groups. So, was sought to investigate which learning styles (Accommodating, Assimilator, Convergent and Divergent) embedded between the different generational groups (Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y). Was used as theoretical reference a survey on thematic, Generational Groups, Learning and Learning Styles by Kolb (1993). The application of a quantitative research in a group of 170 contributors of an electricity distributor was used as methodology. They answered the Kolb's Inventary of Learning Styles (1993). The instrument has 12 sentences which allow to identify the predominant learning style. With the questionnaire, was embedded questions to identify the board of directors, gender and generational group that the contributors were inserted. The results point the Assimilator learning style as the predominant in all these generational groups, with 50% of representation. In future researches, indicate the need for a biggest sample to investigate the relation between the learning styles and generational groups.