Action learning is the primary influence on British human resource development (HRD). However, action learning does not readily acknowledge that individual identity is shaped by events outside the organization as much as within it. Thus it does not view human beings as human "becomings," a view that supports HRD as a strategic process…

A study of 14 manufacturing firms found significantly better financial performance among those that strongly emphasized recruitment, compensation, and training and development (a human resource orientation). Human resource development that helped sustain competence combined with that orientation to form a valuable competitive advantage. (SK)

Discusses the role of human resource development (HRD) professionals in employee development and suggests instead that managers should be responsible for employee learning. Topics include understanding the learning process; learning partnerships; identifying and managing employee weaknesses; knowledge acquisition, management, and transfer plans;…

Stories of 20 experienced Finnish human resource developers illustrate how expertise is constructed through the experience of problem-solving situations. Communication, interaction, collaboration, and management involvement are sources of problem situations. Expertise is a flexible and inclusive state of mind, not the application of routine…

Thurow describes major forces that will radically change the shape of capitalism and global competition: fall of communism, shift to knowledge industries, demographic changes, communications and transportation technologies, and lack of a dominant world power. He suggests that, as the United States loses political and economic dominance, the nation…

Discusses worker training and education programs negotiated by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) with three major communications industry corporations. Describes features of the Alliance for Employee Growth and Development, providing training and assistance to AT&T employees; Pathways, offering courses to employees of US West…

Describes how Docent, Hewlett-Packard, and Saba began country-wide training initiatives that targeted work force development; continuing education, and elementary education. Suggests that the challenges faced multiplied exponentially when dealing with Norway, the Philippines, and the Netherlands. (JOW)

Postmodern organizations are driven by a new set of expectations. Organizational development increasingly involves interventions based on human resource development and learning organizations. Line managers are expected to be change agents who are aware of the external environment and know how to realign internal characteristics to adjust to…

Describes four Milwaukee adult literacy programs that have responded to welfare reform. Explores challenges for community-based organizations: teaching for learning vs. training for work, coordinating education and support services, and securing resources. (SK)

Discusses the Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) at Bay de Noc Community College (Michigan), which was created to alleviate a local skilled worker shortage. Employers have responded well to the M-TEC program, which offers customized, technical training at times convenient to students. An 89% increase in number of workers trained was seen…

Questionnaires were completed by 37 participants in a South African life skills program before, directly after, and 3 months after completion. Factor analysis revealed a shift in empowerment as participants moved from micro-level focus on self to macro-level focus on external issues. Growth in critical thinking, confidence, and control also…

This paper discusses the present scenario of automation activities of university libraries in Kerala. The survey findings mainly cover various aspects of library automation such as information technology infrastructure, in-house activities, information services and their usage, manpower development, and budget. The paper briefly describes the role…

Building on Gray's (1997) observation of a common ground between vocational education and human resource development, the present paper seeks to extend the comparative analysis by contrasting each field in terms of its history and definition, professional standards, scope of interventions, and core bodies of knowledge. The analysis suggests that…

The 2004 State of the Union address included an announcement that $250 million was being allocated to community colleges for workforce development programs. This indication of support was good news in light of the recent trends for level funding or cutting back on educational programs, and demonstrates the perceived benefits of workforce…

Human resource development (HRD) is a concept associated with human resource management, and, by this association, one component of the broader concept of management. Much work has examined management practices from a critical stance and this article provides a brief review. However, HRD is a more recent concept, still emerging and finding space…