Strategic Training and Development
Training and development (T&D) is the heart ofa continuous effort designed to improve
employee competency and organizational performance. Training provides learners
with the knowledge and skills needed for their present jobs. Showing a Worker how to
operate a lathe or a supervisor how to schedule daily production are examples of train-
ing. On the other hand, development involves learning that goes beyond today’s job
and has a more long-term focus. lt prepares employees to keep pace with the organil
zation as it changes and grows. T&D activities have the potential to align a firm’s
employees with its corporate strategies.1-5 Some possible strategic benefits ofT&D
include employee satisfaction, in1proved morale, higher retention, lower turnover,
improved hiring, a better hottom line, and the fact that satisfied employees produce
satisfied customers.
Customers are continuously requiring higher quality, lower costs, and faster cycle
times. Therefore, firms must strive to constantly improve their overall performance.
Businesses have been helped in this endeavor by technology and improved processes.