Managerial influence on employee learning: contextual insights from industrial companies in Sweden

Purpose This study aims to explore how managers influence employee workplace learning within two distinct organizational environments in Swedish manufacturing industries. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative research design, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 managers from 2 companies. Thematic analysis identified patterns and themes, providing a nuanced understanding of managerial influence on workplace learning. Findings Findings indicate that managers’ perceptions of their roles and their organizational context impact how they create learning opportunities for employees. High-pressure environments prioritize efficiency and short-term results, constraining managers’ ability to support long-term learning and development. In contrast, balanced environments emphasize relationships, psychological safety and long-term development. Managerial support is thus shaped by both organizational context and individual perceptions, highlighting the importance of differing organizational pressures in shaping managers’ leadership toward employee workplace learning. Research limitations/implications The findings provide a contextualized understanding that requires cautious interpretation when applied to other contexts. The reliance on self-reported experiences and the purposeful sampling used in this study present challenges for generalizing the results even within the chosen context. Readers are advised to exercise caution when interpreting the study findings, considering the specific organizational environments and managerial roles examined. Practical implications Organizations should invest in leadership development programs that emphasize relational aspects, such as trust and communication, to create supportive learning environments. Managers should be encouraged to establish structures and routines that promote discussion and reflection. Originality/value This research nuances Tynjälä’s 3P model of Workplace Learning by showing how managerial support is affected by the organizational environment and individual perceptions of that context, which in turn affect employee learning processes and outcomes. The study offers theoretical and practical insights for enhancing learning environments within organizations.