The framework for micro-credentials adoption in the workplace

The framework consists of three layers: The outer layer consists of the technology itself; the purpose of this layer was to demonstrate that micro-credential technology (a digital badge) needs to be recognisable and to achieve that in its design, it needs to be shareable, authentic, and clearly state the ownership given to the end-user if it is permanently or temporary.

The middle layer consists of the work environment; in this case, the organisations adopting these micro-credentials for skills development. Therefore, in this layer, a work-learn balance needs to be established and to achieve that, the price value for micro-credentials the organisation wants employees to take to meet the business needs should be budgeted, transparency on the skills that will be attained and accessibility to the content for continuous reviews and learning should be made available to employees.

The inner layer contains the core micro-credential principles. In this layer, the drive is people (employees). To explain the core principles, the Fishbone diagram (Ishikawa diagram) illustrates the cause and effects of adopting micro-credentials to upskill or reskill the workforce. Six core principles were identified from the finding themes: competency-based learning, personalised learning, experience, research learning, work-related learning, and motivation. Thereafter, each principle had sub-categories that could contribute to adopting micro-credentials for skills development. The additional elements compared to the frameworks discussed in the literature included work-learn balance, price-value, flexibility, experience, and motivation for employee growth.