Abstract
Learning executives are tasked with aligning the learning strategy with the goals and priorities of the organization, but little is known regarding how this happens. In this paper, the approach learning executives take to align the learning strategy with the overall business strategy is explored through the lens of VUCA situations. Ten learning executives of for-profit organizations in the United States were interviewed virtually using a semi-structured approach. The results show that learning executives use an iterative process involving six main elements. To illustrate this process, the Learning Strategy Alignment framework is established. The framework shows the need to involve key business leaders at every stage, establish a definition of alignment, understand the business, prioritize business needs, translate those needs to learning initiatives, and exercise proactive agility. These findings contribute to the academic understanding of human resource development and provide a practical framework for learning executives to align their strategies with the overall business strategy, particularly during VUCA situations.