MOOCs in the workplace: an intervention for strategic human resource development

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this conceptual research is to explore the potential of using massive open online courses (MOOCs) as a strategic tool for employee learning and development in corporate settings by reviewing the literature and practices from a strategic human resource development (HRD) perspective. Human capital theory and strategic HRD were selected as the theoretical framework to make a connection between MOOCs and HRD. The general features of MOOCs, MOOC research in the workplace, and relationships among MOOCs, human capital, and strategic HRD are summarized. This study also introduces three examples of Indian and global organizations that use MOOCs as an intervention for strategic HRD. For each example, we describe the context, process/progress, and outcomes. Discussion, implications, and recommendations for future research are elaborated.

KEYWORDS:

• Massive open online courses (MOOCs)
• strategic HRD
• employee learning and development
• human capital theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.