Improving the competence of the workforce is one way that training and
development can create a competitive advantage, but it is not the only way.
Training and development activities also contribute to organizational success
in less direct ways. For example, they can provide shared experiences that
promote understanding among employees with many different histories and so
help speed the development of organizational cohesiveness and employee commitment.
Training and development activities also are a means for employers
to address employee’s needs. By offering training and development opportunities,
employers help employees develop their own personal competitive advantage
and ensure their long-term employability.