The philosophy and practice of training and development: the case of the Jordanian electricity sector

• Published in: International journal of training and development Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 138 - 160
• Main Authors: Ensour, Waed Abdel Razzaq, Kharabsheh, Radwan Alyan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2015; Wiley-Blackwell
• Subjects: Content Analysis; Educational Attitudes; Educational Needs; Educational Philosophy; Educational Practices; Electric utilities; Energy; Energy Education; Foreign Countries; Industry; Interviews; Jordan; Learning Activities; Observation; Occupational Surveys; Organizational Climate; Philosophy; Professional Development; Studies; Training; Jordan; Jordan (country)
• ISSN: 1360-3736; 1468-2419
• DOI: 10.1111/ijtd.12053

This study aimed to gain an understanding of training and development (T&D) as a philosophy and practice in Jordanian electricity companies and to explore factors that shape T&D. Data were gathered through in‐depth interviews, observation and document analysis. Results indicate that T&D was interpreted in terms of learning, was development focused and emphasized a utilitarian outlook. The T&D role was perceived as being ‘instrumental’, showing an inclination towards a functionalist philosophical perspective. T&D activities were found to have a reactive role, designed to meet particular or short‐term needs. Findings support the general argument proposed in the human resource development literature about the role of T&D philosophy in guiding actions, but also indicate that the way of thinking about T&D is shaped through the prism of ‘situation needs’ and T&D ‘utility’. Furthermore, this study argues that the perceptions, understanding and application of T&D are shaped in the crucible of industry and organizational internal specification.