Learning on the move: A reassessment of mobility through the lens of Bateson’s learning theory

This paper aims to explore the types of learning engendered by internal mobility (IM) by referring to the principles elaborated by Bateson (1972).

A qualitative methodology is followed with interviews among 50 professionals working at four large French firms.

A system of classification for IM is proposed, namely, replication, adaptation, innovation and revolution.

The identification of these categories invites human resource managers to reconsider the traditional career paths.

This paper brings a new perspective on the possible link between learning and IM and questions what employees really learn thanks to their moves.