Title: An examination of HRD in response to strategic learning needs in SMEs

Authors: A.A.M. (Ida) Wognum, Kenneth R. Bartlett

Addresses: Faculty of Educational Science and Technology, Department of Educational Organisation and Management, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. Department of Work, Community and Family Education, University of Minnesota, 425K VoTech Building, 1954 Buford Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USA

Abstract: Despite the increased recognition of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global economy, very little is known of the process that prompts the managers of these firms to provide human resource development (HRD) for their employees. In this pilot study, a sample of owners and managers of SMEs in the USA highlights the motivating factors for the firm to acquire new knowledge. The overall climate for HRD in the firm, the organisational learning style, constraints that limit HRD, and perception of HRD effectiveness are also explored. The findings stress, among other things, the importance of creating new policies for knowledge acquisition in SMEs and a broader definition of HRD, including arrangements to facilitate and stimulate informal, spontaneous learning ||through the job||.

Keywords: SME learning; SME knowledge acquisition; HRD effectiveness; HRD climate; organisational learning style.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2002.001024

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2002 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.170-186

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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