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Human resource development in small firms: a competence‐based approach
Author(s) -
Jennings Peter L.,
Banfield Paul,
Beaver Graham
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
strategic change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.527
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1099-1697
pISSN - 1086-1718
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1697(199603)5:2<89::aid-jsc195>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - competence (human resources) , business , training and development , human resources , knowledge management , perception , marketing , vocational education , human resource management , management , psychology , computer science , economics , pedagogy , neuroscience
Effective training can play a key role in supporting small firm expansion and growth. Existing managerial perceptions and experiences of training are key factors influencing future investments in this field. The owner manager is in a critical position to support training by facilitating other organizational changes. Systemic and personal weaknesses in managerial competence create the basis for business failure or underachievement. Small business managers need to demonstrate competence in strategic thinking and operational effectiveness. A small firm's training strategy should combine a vocational, job‐centred focus with one which reflects a more holistic and integrated approach to work and management. The ‘right’ combination of training and development activities for specific small businesses should depend more upon specific circumstances and internal capacities, rather than what is ‘available’ externally. Training is only likely to result in long‐term behavioural change if it is supported by a range of organizational practices which reflect a clear vision of what behaviours employees need to demonstrate. Small businesses need to create a culture of training and development, in which learning is as much a part of their activities as manufacturing and selling. Improvements in personal and organizational performance are based upon a long term and focused commitment by management and staff.