Corporate Education
| Author | Diane Clevesy, Mark Snyder, Lisa Gueldenzoph |
| Pages | 158-160 |
Page 158
In corporate America the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge is at the core of most business, industry, and government entities. These organizations either provide knowledge (e.g., software, information technology, biotechnology) or process knowledge (e.g., telecommunications, banking, advertising). In an era where information is critical, the emphasis is on speed, flexibility, technical expertise, and innovation. These factors drive business processes and affect the bottom line. Successful organizations continually update their knowledge base and the skills of their workforce to keep pace with the changing demands of the global marketplace and the technological advances that provide a competitive advantage.
A corporation's future is determined in part by its involvement in the development of its intellectual resources. Enterprises are expanding the education and training segments of their business activities. Chief executive officers (CEOs) realize that without this effort, they will lose their edge in the highly competitive global economy. Continuing education is vital to the future success of any organization, but it is of equal or greater importance that employees remain adaptable and agile learners, able to profit personally and professionally from opportunities generated by the global economy. Investing in the right course of study for the right people at the right time continues to be a challenge for businesses as they plan and prepare for the future.
Corporate restructuring and technological advances give employees broader responsibilities that require more skills and training for self-managed, cross-functional teams. In the past, frontline staff would communicate with middle management who made decisions and solved problems. Today, middle management is disappearing. Frontline workers are expected to process information, make decisions, and solve problems as they occur. Entrylevel workers are required to be skilled, knowledgeable, and adaptable. If they do not have these skills when they are hired, the company must provide the education necessary for these employees to be successful.
Typically, four types of corporate education are used to enhance employees' knowledge and skills. These include independent study, apprenticeships and on-the-job training, traditional classroom instruction, and unconventional...
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