The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of learning style involving four
main modes which were visual, auditory, read/write and kinesthetics on employee performance
among adults working Gen Y. As mentioned, working adult Gen Y has been classified as
andragogy learning that contains different and unique styles of learning based on the
perspective, experience, and skills. Previous scholars even highlighted that adult’s worker does
portrays varying learning method from the previous working environment to the most current
workplace learning situation even there was a potential of a gap in term of technology, problem-
solving or literacy. These differences however influence the failure or success in employee’s
learner development and performance if inappropriate and poor learning barrier is not been
acknowledged properly. Thus, the objectives of this study are to analyze the relationship and to
determine the effect of learning styles on employee performance. The study helps to determine
the solution behind the learning gap as well as helps to determine the most preferred learning
style among working adults especially Gen Y. VARK model was employed as the main
framework in assessing the learning styles. A quantitative study was employed to gain the data
of the study. Survey via questionnaires was distributed randomly to approximately 390 adults
working Gen Y respondents around the Kuala Lumpur area. Data were analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Statistical analysis is carried out using both
descriptive and inferential analysis. Results of the study show that visual, auditory, and
kinesthetics learning styles have a strong relationship and significant effect on employee
performance meanwhile read/write learning styles do not correlate with the dependent variables
of employee performance. These findings also indicate that visual learning style recorded to be
the most preferred learning chosen by working adult Gen Y. The limitations and suggestions
for future research are also discussed.
Keywords: Learning style, Employee Performance, VARK learning model, visual,
auditory, reading/ writing, and kinesthetic.
