Discusses how workers at manufacturing firms acquire knowledge and how much training the company should provide. Looks at a study on learning activities and learning cultures to identify traits of a "teaching firm," one in which teaching and learning are firmly embedded in the organization. (JOW)

There is increasing evidence from generational researchers that the newest group of workers are a different breed. "Millennials,""Nexters," or "Generation Y" are reputed to be enthusiastic about learning, want meaningful work, and are used to working in teams. (JOW)

Discusses the various approaches to creativity taken by various corporations and whether there is a difference between creativity and problem solving. Distinguishes between adaptive creativity--whereby employees find better ways to do their work--and innovative creativity--the ability to produce really big or strange ideas. (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)

Behavior modeling has an inherent appeal to learners. They use the same methodology to learn interpersonal skills that they used to learn technical skills. They are shown what to do and have many opportunities to practice with immediate feedback. (JOW)

Looks at the advantages--increased productivity and compliance with federal clean air regulations--and disadvantages--cost of setting up telecommunications and distractions at home--of telecommuting and the management issues involved. Offers suggestions for setting up a telecommuting program. (JOW)

Debunks five myths about using humor in training: (1) the subject is too serious; (2) "I'm not funny"; (3) someone will be offended; (4) it won't help; and (5) it is distracting. Suggests that humor builds rapport, encourages creativity, makes learners feel safe, reduces fatigue, and activates long-term memory. (JOW)

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

Because of increasing incidence of burnout among midlevel managers, many companies are reducing workload schedules, an arrangement that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Surveys have made the case that flexible work arrangements increase employee happiness and, therefore, productivity. (JOW)

Problems occur in diversity training when (1) trainers are all women or minorities; (2) sensitizing only white male managers is emphasized; (3) specific set of values is reflected; (4) it is guilt driven or deals only with awareness; (5) focus is on how something is said, not why; and (6) orientation is past/future but not present. (SK)

Seven key questions for implementing change are as follows: burden or challenge? worthwhile? will benefits appear quickly? limited to one function? impact on existing relationships? will it fit in existing organizational culture? and is the change certain to happen? (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)

Employers place less emphasis on experience and much more on adaptability. They want people who can learn. However, at the lowest stratum of the service sector, jobs are being dumbed down so that a worker has only to obey commands of smart machines ("Touch french fry icon now"). (Author/JOW)

Virtual work teams scattered around the globe are becoming a feature of corporate workplaces. Although most people prefer face-to-face meetings and interactions, reality often requires telecommuting. (JOW)