Science mapping the most-cited publications on workplace learning

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to use science mapping to explore the knowledge base on workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses were based on the 100 most-cited articles out of the 7,469 results that were generated by the search on SCOPUS database. Bibliometric analyses such as keyword occurrence, co-authorship network and bibliometric coupling network were conducted using VOSviewer.

Findings

The results indicated that scholarly work in the area of workplace learning is on the rise while emphasising the need for contributions from Eastern and Asian perspectives. It was also found that scholarly work on workplace learning can be classified into two major schools of thought, namely, one that revolves around learning communities and other around communities of practice. Finally, analysis of the top-journals revealed that many of them have a close association with the field of education.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is based on a single database. Nonetheless, scholars looking forward to research and publish on the topic may consider the key concepts and journals identified in this review.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study on bibliometric analysis of the topic has been conducted. This study contributes to the knowledge base on workplace learning by science mapping the existing knowledge.

Citation

Moosa, V. and Shareefa, M. (2020), "Science mapping the most-cited publications on workplace learning", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 259-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-10-2019-0119