Helps organizations determine if they are ready to begin a human resource planning program which requires the organization to analyze current and future personnel requirements, to develop an internal support system providing sound performance management programs, and to develop internal support systems for managing employee careers. (CT)

The authors studied 50 organizations to find which have the most successful career development programs and why. The results are codified into 12 principles, including stay specific, tailor program to culture, build from a conceptual base, formalize, design multiple approaches, co-design and manage the project, ensure top management support, and…

Four human resource managers present their recommendations for establishing training/human resource development departments. They discuss the following elements: chief executive office support, the role of formal needs analysis, the role of operating managers, market research, and having a sense of teamwork. (CT)