Chapter 20 of Human Resource Management in a Business Context (2nd Edition 2004) by Alan Price - published by Thomson Learning

Contents

Objectives
The purpose of this chapter is to:
- Outline the concept of human resource development.
- Investigate and evaluate human resource development initiatives at national level.
- Debate the need for distinctive management and gender-focused HRD programmes.
- Introduce the concept of mentoring.
HRD strategies

Human resource development at the national level

The meritocratic ideal

Education and training

Vocational education and training

Development programmes

Management development

Developing women

Mentoring

Summary
Competitiveness demands a diverse workforce and up-to-date skills. The free market belief in 'buying-in' skill has proven inadequate, even in times of high unemployment. HRD allows people managers to be proactive, focusing on employees as investments for the organization. One of the great strategic contributions of HRM lies in the planning of skill availability in advance of need. Development programmes involve more than training and may be focused on competences, gender and role. They require constant accurate assessment, counselling and personal challenge. Development also involves socialization of employees to fit the cultural requirements of the company.
Further reading
Stephen Gibb's Learning and Development (published by Palgrave/Macmillan, 2002) provides a good overview accompanied by a number of case study examples. Employee Training & Development, 2nd edition by Raymond A. Noe (published by McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2001) covers the fundamentals of training and development. HRD and Learning Organisations in Europe (Routledge Studies in Human Resource Development) edited by Saksia Tjepkema, Jim Stewart and Sally Sambrook (published by Routledge, 2002) provides case studies from a number of European countries. Creating a Training and Development Strategy by Andrew Mayo (published by CIPD, 1998) has been described as an ABC of HRD strategy. Management Development by Jean Woodall and Diana Winstanley (also published by CIPD, 1998) takes a multi-perspective view of the topic.
Review questions

Problem for discussion and analysis - Change in Japan
> Chapter 19 > Chapter 21

Human Resource Management
in a Business Context
2nd Edition 2004

by Alan Price
Published by
Thomson Learning
ISBN 186152966X

Preview contents of the second edition:
Human Resource Management in a Business Context

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