Problem: It is easy to see how there are isolated cases of successful training experiences. Some companies are ahead of the curve and some are just catching up. In your selected industry for study (Coffee Manufacturing), select two companies that you think have a successful program for developing leaders or might be in trouble. You decide.
Compare how these two companies are developing their workforces. Include at least one section on what you think is missing in their strategies and what you would recommend be added.
Step 1: Select a company.
How do you find these companies?
Go to one of the publications that specialize in innovative thinking, like Fast Company. You can easily access their information at CEO Express Company. Fast Company is known for covering socially responsible organizations as well as not-for-profit organizations in the same view with the for-profit world.
Step 2: Research internal information on the question "is this a global learning organization"?
Another tool is to read the list of officers of the company and the names of board members. Is there a chief learning officer? Is the HR executive listed as one of the top people in the company? Is either on the board of directors? Are any educators on the board of directors?
Step 3: Research current news on the company.
Do an Internet search for news articles on the company:
- Search on the company name and any language from the annual report that you think is particularly important.
- Instead of doing a general Web search; look for a news category in your search engine.
Look for news on the chief learning officer by name, if your selected company has one. Research the HR director's name: where has he or she appeared recently? What speeches have him or her given? Those speeches may be an indicator of what is happening in the company.
Step 4: Compile your research into a comparison paper.
Create an outline of the criteria for a global learning organization. Remember, there is no one best model. From your knowledge of a learning organization, what do you think is the priority? Your paper should cover the answers to three main questions:
-Is there any evidence of a program or strategy for learning?
-Is there evidence of commitment from the leadership team?
-Is there any evidence of success or failure in the program?
Fast Company
www.fastcompany.com
CEO Express Company
www.ceoexpress.com