The philosophy and practice of training and development: the case of the Jordanian electricity sector
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...
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Published in | International journal of training and development Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 138 - 160 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Oxford
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
01.06.2015
Wiley-Blackwell |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | 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. |
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Bibliography: | ArticleID:IJTD12053 ark:/67375/WNG-R8BNW3PC-7 istex:5322625D2FED6A5481DE30E9D15A7F56977BB479 |
ISSN: | 1360-3736 1468-2419 |
DOI: | 10.1111/ijtd.12053 |