Editorial

Citation

Gimson, A. (2010), "Editorial", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/dlo.2010.08124aaa.002

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Development and Learning in Organizations, Volume 24, Issue 1

There was much talk in the latter part of last year as to whether the “green shoots” of global economic recovery were beginning to show. As we move into the New Year, opinions, statistics and reports still vary widely. For every encouraging piece of news, there seems to be a discouraging one. In response, this issue of the journal draws together different ways in which organizations can maximise the learning opportunities available in these uncertain times.

We begin with the Viewpoint. Michael Clements calls for better collaboration between industry and education to ensure effective talent development. He outlines a useful approach to building learning capacity through work related opportunities for students.

Michael Bokeno elegantly challenges us to consider the differences between two sets of behaviors in organizational life. Those that might represent “civility” and those that might be associated with “community”. By exploring and contrasting the meaning of these two terms, he invites us to reflect on what we really want in our interactions with others. The summary table gives a stark picture of the potential differences. Which would you choose?

Returning to talent development, Mark Haskins and George Shaffer offer a comprehensive framework through which organizations can view, shape and monitor their talent development activities. The framework is comprised of four components and the 12 questions offered to one organization to identify the first component – organizational will – are well worth answering.

Thanasis Karalis offers an interesting insight into the differences between “situated” and “transformative” learning. Through a combination of elements from both, (and the right cultural atmosphere), he demonstrates how organizational learning can be enhanced and renewed.

The speed of change facing all of us is nothing new. And yet, organizations still fail to achieve the outcomes they are seeking from the majority of change programs. Daniel Wilson sheds light on three different sets of bridging strategies– emotional, relational and structural - to assist leaders to facilitate change more effectively. I’m sure you will particularly welcome his ability to translate emerging research into practical strategies.

The effective sharing of tacit knowledge can be an important lever in an organization’s search for competitive advantage. Milton Mayfield provides us with a useful reminder of some effective ways to increase an organization’s tacit knowledge base, including the very important link to reward strategies – a link that is all too often missed.

In our first review piece, “Enhanced organizational learning”, takes a look at six case studies of Swedish organizations outsourcing some or all of their IT departments. The opportunity for organizations to systematically learn, and capture that learning, from these external supplier relationships is described.

“Moving upwards in a time of recession” we are offered a rich buffet of examples on how organizations respond to a downturn – both past and present. From mergers to the need for highly visible leadership, it is gratifying to also see the calls for continuing investment in development activities.

The need to recognise the human challenges of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is highlighted in “Taking the ERP plunge in stages”.

The Spanish based bank, Santander, has been one of the few financial businesses to weather the global economic crisis relatively unscathed. In “Abbey’s leaders-in-waiting” we hear how the group’s leadership development strategy is being implemented in its UK subsidiary. It is early days but the initial feedback is encouraging – our last review piece

Finally, as we move in to this new year, only time will tell whether we are actually still floundering in a “double-dip” recession or whether we are truly seeing those “green shoots” of recovery. Let’s hope it turns out to be the latter.

Anne GimsonStrategic Developments International UK. E-mail: anne@stratdevint.com