Suggests that self-directed learning should be approached with the same systematic rigor as other learning activities and that facilitation requires different skills than classroom instruction or on-the-job training. Includes an interview with Malcolm Knowles, a lesson plan, and facilitator competencies. (JOW)

Suggests that sexual harassment would be less of a problem if men and women paid more attention to commonplace rules of workplace etiquette. Offers examples of etiquette rules that suggest how to behave reasonably while respecting the rights of both men and women. (Author/JOW)

Discusses the differences between corporate universities and training departments and suggests that marketing is a big part of it. Defines knowledge management as the effort to capture an organization's collective experience and wisdom and to make it useful to everyone. (JOW)

Suggests that custom training is not for everyone and that off-the-shelf programs can be the best way to achieve many business goals. Looks at a variety of programs and offers a rationale for using both off-the-shelf and customized programs depending on the circumstances. (JOW)

Discusses increasing labor problems in the U.S. Postal Service, despite attempts to change the organizational culture. (JOW)

Awareness of diversity in the workplace is on the rise, but so is a backlash to some of the issues that it raises. Ways to prevent backlash include getting management support, involving employees in training design, using an inclusive definition of diversity, acknowledging resistance, valuing sameness, and affirming the value of individual views.…

Keeping sexual harassment incidents at bay in the workplace involves prevention training that teaches people how to identify harassment and how to respond, using such techniques as role play and discussion. Trainees should also be informed of the organization's policy and procedures for reporting complaints. (JOW)

If the learning organization is ever to become a reality and if employees are to be continuous learners, the notion of self-directed learning has to move beyond the buzzword phase and become a major force in employee training. (Author)

An effective ethics program can enhance an organization's recruitment and retention, work environment, and reputation. Values statements and codes of conduct are the infrastructure of an effective program. (JOW)

Reviews and critiques existing research on the effects of training design, trainee, and work environment factors on conditions of transfer of training. Identifies research gaps including needs to test various operationalizations of training impact on transfer and to develop framework for conducting research on effects of trainee characteristics on…

In postindustrial workplaces, training enables new forms of control and surveillance of workers. Corporate culture persuades workers to comply through the rhetoric of empowerment, the promise of belonging and reward, and the rhetoric of valuing differences. (SK)

Accessibility and accuracy are important attributes for either manual or electronic support tools. Training with performance support tools will fail if it uses the same approach, only electronic; has no mechanism for keeping content up to date; and is not integrated with the job. (SK)

Ways to improve training so that it actually gets applied on the job include screening the work environment to unearth potential barriers, establishing collaborative relationships with other areas (technical support, supervisors, human resources), and turning down training opportunities when follow-up support will not be available. (SK)

The balance of power in the United States has begun to shift from youth to older age and will not soon return to a more familiar proportion. Human resource development professionals need to help their companies respond to the needs of older workers and older customers. (JOW)

Looks at the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting and describes a training program to get people ready to telecommute. Offers tips for organizing an office at home. (JOW)