Components of Employee Development Program in Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This exploratory study was intended to identify what components of an employee development program are currently being used, barriers companies face in providing such a development program, and how a development program benefits companies. A qualitative study was conducted by surveying human resource agents in manufacturing industries within Northeast Oklahoma in order to identify what employee development practices are currently being used, and what companies recognize as barriers and benefits of their programs. The data suggested that these companies do not have a complete understanding of what is required for a structured, progressive improvement plan. The usage of suggested components of a existing and future programs included coaching, mentoring, formal and on-the-job training, apprenticeships, on-boarding, performance reviews, career paths, and tuition assistance. Implications for further study outside of Northeast Oklahoma, including intensive interviews, were determined to be beneficial for future studies.