Competence development ‐ a challenge for human resource professionals: core competences of organizations as guidelines for the development of employees

Challenges the popular myth that businesses’ ills are easily cured by training. Argues that training is frequently misused as propaganda, distracting from searching analysis of organizations’ real problems. Uses examples of misapplied training initiatives which leave a warm feeling but miss their target. Contrasts training with education: training pursues an outside‐in agenda aimed at instilling learner compliance with external standards. Education, by contrast, works inside‐out, offering choice and challenging the status quo. Advocates leadership which favours the values of education more than training. Proposes a more balanced equation between the supply of talent and its intelligent and healthy utilization. Shows how a creative, multilevered approach to change develops corporate competence.