State policies and activities for systematizing work force development were examined through a survey completed by individuals involved in work force development in 40 states and case studies of policies and programs in Texas, Utah, Florida, and Michigan. Throughout all levels of government and the private sector, consensus that work force development is critical to success in the global economy is growing. The following underlying forces for change were identified: growth of the private sector's power; growing perception that collaborative activities may yield greater flexibility, efficiency, and access to new resources; the 104th Congress' focus on work force development consolidation and block grants; and new federal initiatives. A new work force development system with the following characteristics was advocated: driven by business, locally designed/implemented, universally available, user friendly, and measurable/accountable for short- and long-term results. The following items were recommended as ways of enhancing work force development systems: increased business participation/ownership; institutional planning and policy frameworks at the federal, state, and local levels; uniform data and reporting systems; and accountability standards focused on improved learning and higher earnings. (Eleven tables/figures are included. Appended are lists of the states responding to the survey and codes used in the tables.) (MN)