Continuing Professional Development - Assignment Example

The aim of this paper is to analyze the importance of CPD for individuals and organizations in the hospitality industry. The main theory surrounding CPD is Boyatzis’s Theory of Self-directed Learning. The theory works on a model where learning is based on a self-directed self-analysis. This includes analysis of the ideal oneself and actual oneself then assessing gaps. The person then looks at their strengths and sets out on a learning agenda aimed at building on the strengths while minimizing the gaps.

Finally, the person experiments and practices with the new knowledge, skills and behavior. Trusting relationships that encourage and support each step should be developed (Boyatzis 1999). Core concepts of CPD There are some concepts that mark out CPD from other types of professional development and training. First is that in CPD, the learner is in control hence CPD finds its starting point from the learner’s dreams. Handy (1997), states that these dreams can also be equated to thirst. First, the professional becomes thirst for new skills, knowledge and experiences and the role of CPD is to respond to the type and extend of the thirst presented.

Secondly, CPD is a holistic process capable of addressing every aspect of life as well as the balance between these aspects. This means that one aspect of a learner’s life for example, their work, family, or social life does not have to suffer much during the process of CPD. Therefore, we can say that the process is integrative to every aspect of the learner’s life (Daniel 2002). Thirdly, the learning and working in CPD is power and direction oriented hence the achievement of its purposes and objectives are easy.

This is because CPD involves regularly reflecting how we are, looking ahead to where we want to be then taking a step from our current position towards the desired future position. Lastly, someone can benefit from CPD with or without the support of the employer. This is to say that it works for those employees who have financial backing and total support from their employers and as well as for those whose employers are hostile (Daniel 2002). The need and relevance for CPD From its definition, the need for CPD is hinged on the necessity for professionals to broaden, improve and maintain their specific professional skills and knowledge they have already acquired.

The core reason for this is that security for professionals no longer lies in the organisation they work for or the job they do but on the knowledge, skills and experience they posses within themselves (Brett and VandeWalle 1999). There is also a need for professionals to acquire some special qualities that are needed for them to perform well in their profession. CPD is very relevant to professionals and their organisations as well. For example, it enables professionals to be updated in terms of their professional skills and knowledge and this puts them at a good position of working under the latest relevant information.

Constant updating and enhancement of skills enables an individual to improve in terms of their professional competency. Because CPD is continuous, the improvement in professional competency for the individuals also becomes continuous throughout their professional lives (Cooperrider 1990). Benefits of CPD for individuals and organisations According to Schon (1983), CPD makes professionals to be committed to their professionalism. This is because it entails a continuous process of