Human Resources #5 -Due Nov 13 - Essay Example

On the job training is most usual way of learning the required job skills for many people when they join in any firm. On the job training means having a person learn a job by actually doing it. Every employee from mailroom clerk to company president gets on the job training when he or she joins a firm. In many firms OJT is the only training available. (Kenneth Wexley and Gary Latham. 2002) The importance of on the job training is a highly effective means of developing competent job skills. The more experienced senior employees can best guide the juniors on the skills required to perform particular tasks.

By doing so, the managers and senior staff not set an example for others but also best serve the needs of the organization. This is highly recommended at lower levels at Abbott Laboratories where knowledge and skills count most to deliver the best products to customers. On the job training can be delivered at the work place itself, as it keeps the focus on the need to upgrade or sharpen the skills in the same area of activity. It will be cost effective as well. This kind of training is most useful at all levels, especially for the new entrants.

OJT can be delivered in classrooms as well. The informal way of on the job training fosters better employee relations as well. ‘Special Assignments’ similarly give lower-level executives firsthand experience in working on actual problems.“Many workers increase their productivity by learning new skills and perfecting old ones while on the job.” (Gary Becker.1964)Behavior modeling involves showing trainees the right way of doing something, letting trainees practice that way, and then giving feedback on the trainees’ performance.

Modeling is one of the effective ways of learning. Trainees watch films or videos that show models behaving effectively in a problem situation. Role playing will also be very helpful as trainees are given roles to play in a simulated situation. This improves interpersonal skills among the employees. By social reinforcement, the trainer strengthens the learning by complimenting and praising. It helps gaining confidence and getting recognition. When the trained employees carry their learning to the work place by using their updated skills, they will show improved performance.

Behavioral methods are more of giving practical training to the trainees. The various methods under Behavioral approach allow the trainee to behavior in a real fashion. These methods are best used for skill development.Any training method that helps building strong teams is of great value to every organization, especially for Abbott Laboratories with its global presence. Team work is the life of an organization. Effective team building techniques are immensely helpful for fostering team spirit and coordination.

Action learning gives scope for the teams to work together effectively. Adventure learning provides learners with opportunities to explore real world issues through authentic learning experiences. As these games challenge an individual’s potential and reinforce the importance of working together and of succeeding as a group. Adventure learning or survival training develops interpersonal skills, team skills and skills for handling conflict and interpersonal trust building. ReferencesKenneth Wexley and Gary Latham, Developing and Training Human Resources in Organizations.

Prentice Hall, 2002 p.78-79Becker Gary Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education. 1964 http://www.upjohninst.org/publications/ch1/ojtch1.pdf