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Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs The need for a strategic approach

Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs The need for a strategic approach Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of strategic human resource development (HRD) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with specific reference to key issues around training, development and education as well as an emerging issue of significance, age diversity management. Design/methodology/approach – The approach undertaken in the paper is to draw upon relevant literature and research as well as the authors' own analysis of the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM), HRD and SMEs based on prior research. Findings – The findings of the research and analysis is that SMEs which take a strategic approach to training and development of their human resources will profit not only from a competitive position in their marketplace but also be well placed to adjust to changing and often uncertain external influences on the business environment presented to organisations in the twenty‐first century. Practical implications – It is envisaged that SMEs should make changes to their current practices and adopt a more strategic approach to the development of their people based on the practical implications outlined within the paper as to how organisations can implement HRD practices linked to broader corporate strategy. Originality/value – The paper adds value in broadening the existing focus of SHRM and HRD on large corporations to engendering the need to also develop good HRD practices within emerging and growing SMEs and recognising the important role that they can play in developing an age diverse workforce. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Education + Training Emerald Publishing

Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs The need for a strategic approach

Graham Beaver; Kate Hutchings
Education + Training , Volume 47 (8/9): 13 – Oct 1, 2005
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References (41)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0040-0912
DOI
10.1108/00400910510633134
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of strategic human resource development (HRD) in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with specific reference to key issues around training, development and education as well as an emerging issue of significance, age diversity management. Design/methodology/approach – The approach undertaken in the paper is to draw upon relevant literature and research as well as the authors' own analysis of the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM), HRD and SMEs based on prior research. Findings – The findings of the research and analysis is that SMEs which take a strategic approach to training and development of their human resources will profit not only from a competitive position in their marketplace but also be well placed to adjust to changing and often uncertain external influences on the business environment presented to organisations in the twenty‐first century. Practical implications – It is envisaged that SMEs should make changes to their current practices and adopt a more strategic approach to the development of their people based on the practical implications outlined within the paper as to how organisations can implement HRD practices linked to broader corporate strategy. Originality/value – The paper adds value in broadening the existing focus of SHRM and HRD on large corporations to engendering the need to also develop good HRD practices within emerging and growing SMEs and recognising the important role that they can play in developing an age diverse workforce.

Journal

Education + Training – Emerald Publishing

Published: Oct 1, 2005

Keywords: Training; Human resource development; Equal opportunities; Older workers; Age groups; Small to medium‐sized enterprises

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