The differences between employee development and employee training can often be blurred because of the multiple activities associated with each process. Both are similar in that they help employees discover their strengths; identify and improve their weaknesses; and build skills to perform their roles efficiently and work well with others. Both also help companies keep talented employees, compete in a changing economy, and meet the challenges associated with technological advances and global markets. There are differences between the two, however, and the primary difference has to do with orientation: While training is focused on helping employees improve in their current jobs, development is geared to help employees prepare for the future of their careers.

Read the following scenario about an employee at a fictional technology company who decides to take charge of his own career. You will have a chance to distinguish between each of these processes, training and development, and answer questions about elements associated with each approach.

Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

Jacob has been taking courses that relate to his current job, but he is really looking to obtain another position in the company. He believes he has the potential to become a leader in the organization, when he started at Technology Systems Inc. five years ago, he was a call center representative. He then became the supervisor of other call center employees after only six months. A year and a half later, he was promoted to systems administrator. Since then, he has expected his employer to offer him opportunities to advance further, but that has not happened. Jacob decided to take charge of his own career and began to take advantage of the partnership program the company has developed with the local university to take management and leadership courses.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Jacob felt that his employer was not meeting his expectations. But today's employees should look for their organizations to provide all of the following EXCEPT:

a. flexible work arrangements.

b. equal opportunity for advancement.

c. development opportunities.

d. training for their current jobs.

e. a career ladder to climb.

2. The partnership program that the organization has with the local university is an example of which of the following?

a. Training center

b. Employment education

c. Interpersonal relationships

d. Formal education

e. Job experiences

3. To remain marketable, Jacob will need to continually develop new skills and expand his base of knowledge by doing all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Enderstand the business in which he works.

b. Cultivate valuable relationships with co-workers, suppliers, and managers.

c. Expect his employer to offer a linear career ladder.

d. Apply technology that will match emerging priorities.

e. Follow trends in his industry.