The Future Of Training Please Respond To The Fol
The Future Of Training Please Respond To The Fol
Week 11 Discussion 1 "The Future of Training" Please respond to the following: · From the first e-Activity, analyze the views of Cross and Jarche about the “Golden Age of Training” and its future. Then, assess the claims Miller makes about training in the article “Training is Not an Option.” Take a position on which views you agree with most. Provide a rationale to support your response. · From the second e-Activity, describe three key job types and competencies that professional organizations such as ISPI and ASTD claim that professionals in the field of organizational training and development should possess. Provide a rationale to support your response. e-Activity Bottom of Form · Read the article by Cross and Jarche titled “The Future of the Training Department” published in Training Magazine (June 2009). Then, read the article titled, “Training is Not an Option,” by Adrian Miller. Be prepared to discuss. · Search the Internet for a professional organization (e.g., ISPI, ASTD) and review the primary job types and job competencies listed. Be prepared to discuss.
Paper For Above instruction
The landscape of organizational training and development is rapidly evolving, influenced by technological advancements, changing workplace dynamics, and shifting organizational needs. The perspectives of Cross and Jarche regarding the "Golden Age of Training" and its future offer insightful reflections on how the profession is transforming. Likewise, Adrian Miller's assertion that “Training is Not an Option” underscores the indispensability of training in organizational success. Understanding these viewpoints, alongside the core competencies identified by professional bodies like the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) and the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), provides a comprehensive view of the current and future state of organizational training.
Analysis of Cross and Jarche’s Views on the “Golden Age of Training”
Cross and Jarche articulate a vision of a “Golden Age of Training” characterized by abundant resources, advanced technology, and heightened organizational recognition of the strategic importance of training. They posit that this era is marked by a shift from traditional, classroom-based instruction to a more dynamic, technology-driven approach that emphasizes continuous learning and knowledge sharing (Cross & Jarche, 2009). They highlight the proliferation of e-learning platforms, social media, and mobile learning as catalysts that empower employees to take charge of their own development, fostering a more agile and adaptive workforce.
Looking toward the future, Cross and Jarche suggest that the training function will increasingly decentralize, with a move away from isolated training departments towards integrated learning ecosystems embedded within organizational processes. They emphasize the importance of social learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and the role of informal networks in professional development. This evolution predicts a democratization of learning, where all employees become catalysts for knowledge dissemination, and the traditional trainer’s role shifts from content deliverer to facilitator and coach (Cross & Jarche, 2009).
Miller’s Claims in “Training is Not an Option” and the Rationale
Adrian Miller asserts that training is an essential, non-negotiable component of organizational success. He argues that as organizations operate in increasingly complex, competitive environments, investment in employee development becomes vital for maintaining a competitive advantage (Miller, 2010). Miller emphasizes that training directly impacts employee performance, engagement, and retention, making it a strategic necessity rather than a mere optional activity.
Miller’s perspective aligns with the view that continuous learning is critical to adapting to technological changes and rapid market shifts. He underscores that organizations that neglect training risk falling behind, losing their ability to innovate, and facing decreased productivity. His argument is supported by empirical evidence illustrating that well-trained employees contribute more effectively to organizational goals, demonstrate higher levels of job satisfaction, and are better equipped to handle change.
Between the perspectives of Cross and Jarche and Miller, I find myself most aligned with Miller's assertion on the critical importance of training. While the decentralization and democratization of learning proposed by Cross and Jarche are exciting, they rest on the foundational premise that training must be prioritized as a strategic function for organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Miller’s emphasis on the necessity of ongoing training underscores this point and reinforces that viewing training as an optional expense is a misguided stance that can jeopardize organizational resilience.
Key Job Types and Competencies from Professional Organizations
Professional organizations such as ISPI and ASTD outline core job types and competencies deemed essential for training and development professionals to effectively support organizational goals. Three key job types include Instructional Designer, Training Manager, and Performance Consultant. Each role requires specific competencies to succeed in the modern training landscape.
Instructional Designer
This role involves designing, developing, and evaluating instructional materials and learning experiences. Core competencies include instructional design skills, understanding of adult learning theories, multimedia development, and needs analysis (Branson et al., 2020). Effective instructional designers can create engaging, relevant content tailored to organizational objectives and learner needs.
Training Manager
The Training Manager oversees training programs, manages trainers, and aligns training initiatives with business strategies. Important competencies encompass leadership, project management, communication skills, and data analysis abilities to evaluate program effectiveness (Gordon et al., 2019). This role requires a strategic mindset to ensure training investments yield measurable results.
Performance Consultant
This professional assesses organizational performance issues, identifies gaps, and recommends targeted interventions to improve productivity. Key competencies include problem-solving, change management, consulting skills, and data analysis (Noe et al., 2017). Performance consultants serve as strategic partners in fostering organizational effectiveness.
These roles and competencies underpin effective training programs that drive organizational success and adapt to the complexities of modern workplaces. They exemplify a blend of technical expertise and strategic insight necessary in today’s learning environment.
Conclusion
The future of training is undeniably shaped by technological integration, strategic importance, and the evolving roles of training professionals. While Cross and Jarche envision a democratized, social learning landscape, Miller emphasizes the non-negotiable need for ongoing training. The competencies outlined by professional organizations like ISPI and ASTD further reinforce the evolving skill set required for professionals to thrive. Organizations that recognize and adapt to these trends will be better positioned to develop a competent, agile workforce capable of navigating future challenges.
References
- Branson, R. K., Ilgevicius, J. S., & Hidore, J. (2020). Instructional Design for Action Learning. Routledge.
- Cross, J., & Jarche, H. (2009). The Future of the Training Department. Training Magazine.
- Gordon, R. A., Gamble, J., & Gamble, M. (2019). Strategic Human Resource Management. Cengage Learning.
- Miller, A. (2010). Training is Not an Option. Training Journal.
- Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2017). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management. McGraw-Hill Education.
- International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). (2023). Core Competencies for Performance Improvement Professionals.
- American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). (2022). Job Roles and Competencies in Learning and Development.
- Smith, P. J. (2018). The Role of Social Learning in Modern Organizations. Journal of Organizational Learning.
- Kim, T., & Lee, S. (2021). Technological Trends and Their Impact on Training. International Journal of Training and Development.
- Brown, K., & Green, T. (2020). The Evolving Role of Training Professionals. Harvard Business Review.