Four strategies for overcoming resistance to self-directed learning (SDL) in business and industry are visible company support; internal promotion; easy access, especially through electronic linkages; and formalized use of SDL strategies, such as using learning contracts in performance appraisals. (SK)

Analysis of a longitudinal file of collectively bargained pension plans found dramatic increases in benefit levels; reductions in early, normal, and deferred retirement ages; and declines in age at which pension values peak. Findings indicate that employer-provided pensions can and will play an important role in inducing people to remain on their…

Laws that govern society also govern the workplace. Understanding how rights have expanded will give managers insight into the social and legal principles that govern the workplace. (JOW)

Proactive planning can serve as evidence of employers' efforts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Planning efforts include appropriately written job descriptions, reasonable accommodation policy, disability awareness training, and evaluation of training and testing materials for bias. (SK)

According to survey responses from 20 British companies (21%), 4 had not heard of accreditation of prior learning (APL), 13 did not use it, and 3 did, although not specifically for management development. Nonusers had some negative attitudes toward APL, dismaying considering its potential role in the competence approach to management development.…

British labor-force survey data indicated that the probability of receiving training and the amount of training received were substantially higher in unionized workplaces. (SK)

National Association of College and Employers' inaugural survey on M.B.A. recruiting and hiring practices drew responses from 357 (of 1,698) employer members polled. Among the respondents, 201 said that they do not recruit M.B.A.s, while 156 reported that they do. Employers who court M.B.A.s recruit at an average of 8.4 schools. (Author)

The correlation between human resource development practices and lifelong learning was examined through 28 case studies and a survey of 20 organizations participating in a European Union project. Factors influencing or inhibiting learning included the changing role of stakeholders, attempts to develop a learning culture, and restructuring of work.…

Identifies the top 50 companies in terms of the amount spent on training and development, the number of hours of training per employee, and percentage of payroll spent on training. Profiles the top five plus four additional companies selected by the magazine's editors. (SK)

Using snowball sampling, 1,031 full-time workers in Iowa were surveyed about their work-related learning. Although they were aware of the need, spending time on learning was not a priority, and there were concerns about how learning at work is perceived in their organizations. Those with higher educational attainment were more informed about…

A survey of human resource professionals in 165 European companies revealed a lack of innovative practices characteristic of learning organizations. However, respondents indicated that strategies to stimulate learning and knowledge sharing are increasingly important, so barriers such as lack of time, lack of goal clarity, and insufficient learning…

This chapter reviews the three-decade history of collective bargaining at community colleges and analyzes how collective bargaining has altered critical areas in the life of community colleges.

We analyse the role of private schools in the teachers' labour market. Private schools employ an increasingly-disproportionate share of teachers in Britain, relative to the number of their pupils. Their teachers are more likely than state school teachers to possess post-graduate qualifications, and to be specialists in shortage subjects.…

We surveyed 31 prospective employers (65% response rate) regarding their views on character as part of the employment selection process. The results showed character qualities superordinate, relative to skills that prospective employees bring to potential jobs. We discuss survey results in light of business educators' responsibility for helping…

Scholarly literature and the media often tout "networking" as an effective route for obtaining quality employment. Some scholars, however, have cautioned that racially segregated social networks may produce racially segregated workgroups and differential opportunity structures over time. Drawing from theoretical perspectives pertaining to social…