The contribution of the experience in the learning of managers of the electrical sector of a northeast brazilian city

Organizations remain competitive through their ability of converting both knowledge and expertise of managers into innovative solutions, which are in turn related to life situations, giving them great complexity and thus requiring studies to achieve their comprehension. This study aimed to comprehend how electric power industry managers learn the practice of managerial role through life experience. The learning processes of four managers from the same company were investigated by using the life history approach. The analysis of results reveals that experience-based learning occurs in personal, social and professional scope. It can be pointed out that managers construct a practical knowledge and develop daily responsibilities based on what they have experienced, and through reflection, they can frame how to act. In addition, the results of this study show the importance of relationships, reflective practice and knowledge to the professional development of managers. The professional learning was related to the positions assumed by managers throughout their careers, in which they were conducted by what they have experienced during life and by new experiences they went through. Its conclude that the learning dynamic is based on interpretations that managers construct about their life experiences and that what they learn is strongly influenced by the way theylearn.