The ten characteristics of world‐class learning and development

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to put forward ten ways in which learning and development can become more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

It explains how each of the ten characteristics – align learning and development with strategic direction, control learning and development activity, develop the learning and development team, quantify learning and development, seek external accreditation and recognition, involve senior leadership, establish a heightened profile, integrate technology in learning, model best practice and move the function outside its comfort zone – helps to ensure that learning and development will become more effective.

Findings

It reveals that showing how learning and development provides a return on investment is only part of demonstrating its success.

Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the importance of learning and development aligning its activities with organizational strategic direction.

Social implications

It highlights the importance of an effective learning and development function to the success of individual organizations and, through that, to society as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper gives easy‐to‐understand advice to learning and development specialists.

Citation

Mustafa, E. (2013), "The ten characteristics of world‐class learning and development", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-08-2013-0056