Developing Workforce Capability in the Context of HR Ecosystem Learning

ABSTRACT For many organizations, developing workforce capabilities is central as it involves refining critical human resource processes such as upskilling or the acquisition of new profiles. These processes are becoming increasingly complex to manage as organizations collaborate within larger work ecosystems. Surprisingly, little research has addressed how multiple organizations collaborate to support the development of workforce capabilities, potentially leading to ecosystem‐level learning of HR patterns. Using a multi‐respondent qualitative research design, we examine how various stakeholders in a workforce ecosystem—including freelance workers, organizations, and public entities—elaborate HR patterns for cross‐boundary workers. HR pattern development by multiple actors is achieved through coordination among them, supported by top‐ and middle‐level managers from within organizations. HR ecosystem learning is energized by centrifugal and centripetal forces depending on pivotal actors, either distancing themselves from or keeping close to usual organizational patterns, which requires an intricate balance. We highlight the specific theoretical and practical implications for HR ecosystem learning.