They Asked Me If I Wanted to Grow: The Self-Directed, Lifelong Learning of Middle Managers in the Banking Industry

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of middle managers in the banking industry practicing self-directed, lifelong learning. The theory guiding this study is Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory and its relationship with lifelong learning. This study aimed to answer the following question: What are the lived experiences of middle managers in the banking industry practicing heutagogy to develop lifelong learning skills? Data collected from individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts were synthesized using inductive coding to identify patterns and connections in the resulting data. Following an in-depth analysis of the collected data, five major themes emerged. Learning and employment growth, lifelong learning and adaptation, organizational implementation of learning, referrals and career advancement, and personal growth through experience and accomplishment offer a valuable perspective into middle managers’ experiences in the banking industry practicing self-directed learning. These themes provide insight into the various aspects of their personal and professional growth journey. The study concludes by discussing the implications and findings for future research.