Learning and Development


Today, Learning and development is considered as part and partial of Human Resource Management. Learning and development could be in many ways namely, it could be on the job training, technology based learning, mentoring and coaching, role playing, group discussions and education. When the employees are provided with the opportunities to learn and develop, the return for the organisation is uncountable (Armstrong, 2009).

Similarly, the elements would be learning, development, training and education. Accordingly, learning and development would make a major contribution to the successful achievement of the organisational objectives and investment in it would benefit not only the organisation but also to the stakeholders (Jovanovic, Damnjovanovic and Dimitijevic, 2016).

Further, in his discussion Armstrong (2009) has state that learning and training is two different concepts which act in two ways. Learning is defined as the process by which a person constructs new knowledge, skills and capabilities whereas training is one of several responses an organisation could undertake to promote learning. Learning, which ‘lies within the domain of the individual’ and training, which ‘lies within the domain of the organisation’

On the other hand, development could be emphasized as the process take the form of learning activities that would prepare the employees exercise wider or increased responsibilities. Consequently, development is in the form of self directed learning, personal development planning and planned learning from experience (Noe et. al., 2015).



Further understanding, there are many advantages coupled with learning and development. Indicating few, learning and development would increase employee work performance, employee satisfaction and morale towards the organisation. Similarly learning and development would address the weaknesses of the employee. At some point, it is understood that employee is weak towards the job duties. Ongoing learning and development and upskilling of the team could encourage creativity. More over this would also help the organisation to reduce employee turnover and enhance organisational reputation.

Conclusion

In concluding the discussion learning and development is crucial to every organisation. When the employees are provided with the opportunities to learn and develop, the return for the organisation is uncountable. As identified before learning and development is an investment to the organisation in long term.

Videos:

HR Basics: Learning and Development


Links:

7 Key considerations for a successful Learning and Development Strategy, IMD org, available at https://www.imd.org/imd-reflections/corporate-reflections/learning-and-development-strategy/

Reference

Armstrong M (2009), ‘Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Practice’ 11th edn., India

Jovanovic, Z, Damnjovanovic, A and Dimitijevic, V (2016), Learning and Development in Modern Organisations, 6th International Conference on Economics and Management – Based on New Technologies, Serbia

Noe R A, Hollenbeck J R, Gerhart B and Wright P M (2015), ‘Human Resources Management – Gaining a Competitive Advantage’, 9th edn, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York

Comments

  1. Achala14 September 2019 at 08:51

    Good article Sanka, Its become a tough task how to improve employees on Training and development since it is a an extra cost to the organization. There should be a strategic way to achieve T&D and learning and development should be a strategic weapon to any organization towards its development. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sanka Thilakarathne15 September 2019 at 02:57

      Yes It is very important to establish learning culture among the organization and it will really effect to quality and productivity process in positive manner.
      Thanks your valuable comments Achala.

      Delete
  2. Jinendran14 September 2019 at 21:31

    Good work Sanka, as you mentioned the learning and development can classify too many ways namely. Agreed that learning is process and training is response as you cited Armstrong. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Malintha Gannile14 September 2019 at 22:08

    Interesting article , nicely explained about Learning and Development. good job

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wasantha Arunasiri20 September 2019 at 17:26

    good explain sanka. we can get knowledge about Learning and Development.Thanks for sharing your knowledge...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anupama Kankanamge7 October 2019 at 00:09

    Giving opportunity for Learning and development for employees can make them retain within the organization as well other than improving their performance and motivation. Good one Sanka.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Prasanna8 October 2019 at 16:31

    Good effort. Learning and development is one of a HR tool to achieve organizations goal. Good and effective learning and development creates the learner to applies the learning and development to the work and to the world then see what results. These positive results enhance the both people and company's endeavors. Good luck. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Upendra Batagalla12 October 2019 at 08:27


    It is vital to establish learning culture among the organization and it will really effect to produce a quality and productivity process in positive manner. Good job Sanka

    ReplyDelete

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