Erfaringslæring i Forsvaret : en casestudie av formelle og uformelle læringsarenaer basert på en intervjuundersøkelse i et OMLT

This report deals with experiential learning and the handling of experiences in the Norwegian Armed Forces. It is based on the following research question: What elements inhibit and promote knowledge sharing in formal and informal contexts? The report builds on an empirical study that was carried out during an expanded debrief (Mellomlanding) with an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT), after redeployment from Afghanistan. It is a stated goal for the Norwegian Army to enhance processes related to learning from experiences, and this report is a contribution to the current work in this area. Learning processes in formal and informal contexts are described and debated based on the knowledge sharing that took place between the officers in the OMLT. Trust and attitudes proved to be to factors that contributed to both inhibit and promote knowledge sharing between them. The theoretical framework in the report is based on theories concerning experiential learning and knowledge sharing in an organizational learning context. In addition to this, theories related to learning in formal and informal contexts are described. Methodically the report builds on a qualitative research approach, and the analysis draws on elements from grounded theory. This implies that the data collected from the interviews has been central in order to develop a research question and to reach conclusions. The findings that are presented in this report illustrate the existence of two learning systems related to the OMLT. Both formal and informal contexts are useful to share knowledge and may contribute to individual and systemic learning. Together they have the potential to form a holistic learning system, and facilitate sharing of different kinds of knowledge.