Thomas N. Garavan

Entrepreneurship Education and Training Programmes: A Review and Evaluation--Part 2.

Reviews literature highlighting a number of problems associated with entrepreneurship education and training programmes. The major problem relates to balance: too much of an emphasis on knowledge and not enough on competence; too much emphasis on information transfer learning methods and not enough on individual small group learning methods such as project teams, peer exchange, individual counselling and workshops. There is very little evaluation of the effectiveness of such programmes. There is a lack of evidence on how learning strategies influence the development of entrepreneurial competences and how these competences transfer into new project/venture formation. There is also a lack of comparative research to identify commonalities, and differences in terms of design and structure.

Competencies and workplace learning: some reflections on the rhetoric and the reality

The use of competency frameworks as a basis for workplace learning initiatives is now relatively commonplace in organisations. This is reflected in the emphasis given to competencies in the HRD literature. However, the terrain of the competency discussion is somewhat ill‐defined. This article attempts to define the context within which the value of competencies as a basis for workplace learning can be considered and discusses the philosophical and epistemological perspectives found in much of the literature. Competency definition and competency measurement issues are explored, as is a range of other issues concerning the value of competencies in a workplace learning context. The article concludes that, in the interests of clarity, consistency and reliability of measurement, consensus needs to be reached on the basic parameters and definition of competency.

A Strategic Perspective on Human Resource Development

The problem and the solution. This article reviews the literature on strategic human resource development. It proposes a model of strategic Human Resource Development (HRD) which is multi-level and focuses on the interactions between context, HRD processes, stakeholder satisfaction, and characteristics of the HRD profession. The article discusses the implications of this model for both research and practice.

Predicting hotel managers’ turnover cognitions

This paper reports the findings of a study which tested a model that predicts the turnover cognitions of hotel managers. Several predictor variables of turnover intentions were identified: perceived psychological contract breach and felt violation; organisational commitment; career expectations; perceived managerial competencies; job satisfaction, career identity and career satisfaction; demographic and human capital characteristics; and organisational characteristics. A total of 14 hypotheses were tested. The study findings (based on a sample of 89 hotel managers), reveal that a number of variables significantly predict turnover cognitions. These findings do not correspond with the normative predictions found in the hospitality literature. The findings reveal that it is the more psychological, perceptual and affective variables that are most significant in explaining turnover intentions. The findings highlight the types of variables that are important in managing the expectations of hotel managers and from the perspective of the hotel as employer, the types of issues that should be considered to enable better retention of high performing managers.

Human capital accumulation: the role of human resource development

Introduces the special issue “Human resource development: sectoral and invention‐level evidence of human capital accumulation”. Reviews the concepts and definitions of intellectual and human capital. Considers human capital from individual (employability, performance and career development) and organization (investment, ownership, skills and knowledge management) perspectives. Looks at each of the papers in the special issue, relating them to its theme. Highlights the implications for human resource development, both at individual and organizational levels.

The learning organization: a review and evaluation

Undertakes a critical review of the confused and confusing literature on the learning organization. Draws on both psychological and organizational perspectives, and focuses on the distinction between organizational learning and the concept of the learning organization. Concludes with a consideration of the issues involved in creating a learning organization.

Strategic Human Resource Development

This article reviews some of the literature on strategic human resource development focusing in particular on the characteristics of such activities, conditions necessary for the promotion of HRD and the possible benefits to an organisation pursuing such activities. Empirical evidence is presented on HRD policy formulation and planning processes in Irish High Technology companies. In conclusion a number of critical issues are considered which must be focused upon by organisations wishing to develop a strategic focus in their HRD activities.

Training, development, education and learning: different or the same?

Attempts to discuss the concepts of training, development, education and learning with regard to employees in terms of their substantive differences. Discusses how these concepts have evolved historically within human resource management and development (HRM/D) literature. Provides an analysis of how alternative models of HRM/D may influence the meaning given to these concepts in an organizational context. Concludes that it is perhaps more appropriate to view training, development and education as an integrated whole with the concept of learning as the glue which holds them together.

Human Resource Development and Society: Human Resource Development's Role in Embedding Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Ethics in Organizations

Human resource development (HRD) is increasingly expected to play a facilitative role in corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and ethics in organizations. However, there is also significant skepticism concerning HRD’s ability to make a contribution to these areas. It is criticized for moving away from its mission to advocate humanistic values in organizations to totally embracing a short-term business agenda. This article argues that societal HRD (SHRD) can make an important and long-lasting contribution to CSR, sustainability, and ethics through its capacity to question a continual focus by organizations on efficiency and performance. However, it must also be conscious of its business role. Both objectives must be pursued side-by-side. The article outlines a framework of activities that HRD may use to reorient the agenda, hold organizations accountable, provide leadership on CSR, sustainability, and ethics, and at the same time ensure that the organization is profitable and successful. The article summarizes the six articles that are included in this issue.

Mapping talent development: definition, scope and architecture

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of talent development, define its scope and identify the issues involved in formulating talent development strategies in organisations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the relatively scant and fragmented literature on talent development processes.Findings – The literature review revealed that talent development is usually discussed as part of a wider talent management process. The literature highlights issues concerning who is the talent to be developed, what competencies should be developed, who drives development, what is the appropriate pace of development and what is the architecture to support the development.Research limitations/implications – The paper is solely theoretical in nature; however, it does identify gaps for further research.Practice implications – The paper raises a number of important questions that should be considered by organisations when they engage in talent development.Originality/value – The paper contr...