The Effects of Airline Cabin Crew’s Informal Learning Activities on Learning Transfer and Organizational Commitment

This study aims to empirically examine the effects of informal learning activities on learning transfer and organizational commitment among airline cabin crew members. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with cabin crew members employed by domestic FSC (Full Service Carrier) and LCC (Low Cost Carrier) airlines in Korea. A total of 204 valid responses were collected and analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that all three sub-dimensions of informal learning activities― learning with others, self-reflection, and external information scanning―had a significant positive effect on learning transfer. In addition, learning transfer was found to have a significant positive influence on organizational commitment. Among the informal learning factors, learning with others and external information scanning also had a direct positive effect on organizational commitment. These findings suggest that field-based learning experiences of airline cabin crew play a vital role not only in enhancing job competency but also in strengthening psychological attachment and commitment to the organization. This study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of informal learning in the airline service industry by empirically identifying the effects of its sub-dimensions, offering foundational insights for human resource development strategies.