HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
How GenAI Could Accelerate
Employee Learning and
Development
The technology has the potential to personalize learning pathways,
continuously update materials, and more. by Chrysanthos Dellarocas
Published on HBR.org / December 08, 2023 / Reprint H07XLN
MirageC/Getty Images
In our AI-driven era, reskilling is a critical strategic goal for every
organization. However, traditional learning-and-development methods
often fall short, being costly, ineffective, and unable to keep pace with
rapidly evolving skill requirements.
The rise of generative AI offers transformative opportunities to
revolutionize and personalize learning experiences. This article delves
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 1
HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
…
into some emerging uses of generative AI in learning and development,
while also addressing challenges and providing guidance for leaders
navigating this domain.
How Generative AI Changes the Game
Generative AI’s role in learning and development is in a nascent stage
but is poised to have a significant impact due to the convergence of
technological advancements and entrepreneurial innovation.
Personalized Learning Pathways
Current learning-and-development methods often take a generalized
approach, offering uniform content that disregards individual learning
needs, goals, and abilities. In contrast, generative AI platforms, like
Sana Labs, use detailed learner data to assess competencies and
learning styles. This data-driven approach allows for the creation or
recommendation of customized learning content.
For instance, sales professionals might receive interactive modules
focusing on advanced communication techniques, tailored to their
specific work history, learning pace, and style, while software engineers
might receive personalized coding challenges based on their individual
level of proficiency in different programming languages. This bespoke
learning approach is aligned closely with individuals’ learner profiles
and career trajectories and increases engagement, effectiveness, and
retention.
Continuous Content Evolution
The dynamic nature of today’s industries often leads to learning-
and-development materials becoming outdated rapidly, necessitating
resource-intensive updates. Generative AI technologies like Salesforce’s
Einstein GPT are designed to continuously update and adapt training
materials.
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 2
HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
…
For example, in a legal training program, AI could integrate the
latest case law and regulatory changes, ensuring legal professionals
stay abreast of current practices. Similarly, in a rapidly evolving field
like digital marketing, course content could be dynamically adjusted
to include the latest trends in social media algorithms and online
consumer behavior. This process ensures that learners always have
access to the most current, relevant content, fostering an environment
of continuous learning and adaptability.
Immersive Simulation Scenarios
Training simulations often fall short in variety and realism, usually
reusing predetermined scenarios. Generative AI, however, can create
highly realistic, varied training simulations that respond dynamically
to user decisions. This feature is particularly beneficial in high-stakes
professions such as military operations or emergency response.
For example, AI-generated scenarios for military training could
encompass a range of environments and tactical situations, providing
soldiers with exposure to diverse combat conditions. In medical
training, simulations could replicate rare, complex medical cases,
allowing health care professionals to practice their diagnostic and
treatment skills in a risk-free environment. These simulations facilitate
experiential learning, enhancing decision-making skills and situational
awareness in complex, often unpredictable real-world scenarios.
Addressing Skill Gaps
Traditional approaches to identifying and addressing skill gaps typically
rely on periodic performance assessments, which can lead to delays
in necessary interventions. Generative AI tools like Workera offer a
more dynamic solution by continuously analyzing user interactions and
performance to promptly identify and address skill gaps.
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 3
HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
…
For instance, by analyzing a version control system’s usage log,
AI might identify a software engineering team’s need for advanced
knowledge in that system and automatically suggest relevant training
modules. Similarly, by analyzing project outcome data, AI could detect
a need for improved project management skills and recommend specific
training or simulations. Such just-in-time learning can, additionally, be
integrated into daily workflows, ensuring comprehensive, timely, and
ongoing skill development.
Mentorship and Feedback
Conventional learning-and-development methods often lack real-time
feedback mechanisms, which can extend the learning curve for learners.
Generative AI solutions like Cognii’s Virtual Learning Assistant and
DuoLingo’s DuoLingo Max subscription tier offer a more interactive and
responsive approach. These AI systems simulate mentor interactions,
providing instant feedback, answering queries, and aiding in problem-
solving.
For instance, in language learning, a user might receive instantaneous
corrections and suggestions for improving grammar and vocabulary
usage, subsequently engaging in a conversation with the AI mentor
to request clarifications and additional practice exercises. In technical
fields, learners could receive step-by-step guidance through complex
processes, engaging with AI mentors to ask questions and receive
personalized tips and insights at every step. This approach makes the
learning process not only more engaging but also significantly more
effective, as it closely mimics the benefits of one-on-one mentorship.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the significant potential of generative AI in learning and
development, several challenges and considerations must be addressed.
At the forefront is the issue of data privacy. This concern is not
trivial, considering the sensitive nature of data such systems rely
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 4
HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
…
on, which might include employees’ performance metrics, learning
preferences, and even personal characteristics. Ensuring compliance
with data protection regulations like the European Union’s General
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and maintaining transparency in
data usage is critical to maintaining user trust and safeguarding against
privacy infringements.
Current AI technologies are not immune to producing errors or
inaccurate outputs. This could result in training programs that are
either irrelevant or misleading, potentially impairing the learning
experience rather than enhancing it. Continuous monitoring and
validation of AI outputs augmented by feedback mechanisms where
learners can report discrepancies or confusion are essential to ensure
the quality of the training content being delivered.
Perhaps one of the most critical concerns is the risk of perpetuating
biases present in existing data. For example, if an AI system is
trained on data that predominantly represents a certain demographic,
it may develop learning pathways that are inadvertently biased toward
that group, potentially marginalizing others. This issue is particularly
pertinent in global organizations where cultural diversity is a key
consideration.
Organizations venturing into the use of generative AI in learning and
development must navigate these challenges with a keen sense of
responsibility that requires not only adherence to legal standards but
also commitment to ongoing diligence and adaptability in the face of
evolving technological landscapes. This might involve forming ethics
committees, investing in AI literacy and awareness programs, and
establishing clear guidelines and processes for AI governance.
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 5
HBR / Digital Article / How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development
…
Generative AI marks a turning point in learning and development,
offering personalization, real-time adaptability, and immersive learning
experiences. Its application, though in its early stages, has the
potential to address many of the limitations of traditional methods.
As the technology matures, it presents a significant opportunity
for organizations to transform their learning and development
strategies, making them more effective, efficient, and aligned with the
rapidly changing skills landscape. By embracing these technologies
thoughtfully and ethically, leaders can unlock unprecedented
opportunities for growth and innovation in the realm of human learning
and development.
This article was originally published online on December 08, 2023.
Chrysanthos Dellarocas is Boston University’s associate provost
for digital learning & innovation and the Shipley Professor of
Information Systems at BU’s Questrom School of Business.
@cdellarocas
Copyright © 2023 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. 6
Copyright 2023 Harvard Business Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Additional restrictions
may apply including the use of this content as assigned course material. Please consult your
institution's librarian about any restrictions that might apply under the license with your
institution. For more information and teaching resources from Harvard Business Publishing
including Harvard Business School Cases, eLearning products, and business simulations
please visit hbsp.harvard.edu.
