The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Get Poorer: Evidence That Formal Learning and Informal Learning Are Subject to the Matthew Effect

• In Event: Workplace Learning: Paper Session 2

Abstract

Both formal and informal learning are important for the development of professional competence. Unfortunately, evidence exists that well-educated employees who already work in prestigious jobs receive more opportunities for formal learning (Matthew effect). Whether opportunities for informal learning are also influenced by this effect, however, remains largely unknown. This study attempts to close this research gap by analyzing data from a large sample of employees from a wide range of occupations, companies, and work domains. The study finds evidence that the already well-educated and those who already hold good jobs indeed have more chances of professional development in the workplace than their counterparts who work in less prestigious jobs and are less educated.

Authors

• Michael Goller, University of Paderborn

• Christian Harteis, Paderborn University

• Andreas Rausch, University of Mannheim

• Juergen Seifried, University of Mannheim