Rethinking UK small employers' skills policies and the role of workplace learning

International Journal of Training and Development

Volumn 12, Issue 2, 2008, Pages 100-120

  Kitching, John ^a  

^a KINGSTON UNIVERSITY   (United Kingdom)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

EID: 65349187177     PISSN: 13603736     EISSN: 14682419     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2419.2008.00298.x     Document Type: Article

References (60)

1. Ashton, D. (2004), 'The impact of organisational structure and practices on learning in the workplace', International Journal of Training and Development, 8, 1, 43-53.
2. Ashton, D. and Sung, J. (2006), How competitive strategy matters? Understanding the drivers of training, learning and performance at firm level. Research Paper No. 66, Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester. Available at http://www.skope.ox.ac.uk/ WorkingPapers/skoperp66.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
3. Ashton, D., Sung, J. and Turbin, J. (2000), 'Towards a framework for the comparative analysis of national systems of skill formation', International Journal of Training and Development, 4, 1, 8-25.
4. Ashton, D., Sung, J. and Raddon, A. (2005), A case where size matters: A preliminary investigation into the institutionalisation of skill formation and firm size, Research Paper No. 60. Available at http://www.skope.ox.ac.uk/WorkingPapers/SKOPERP60.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
5. Billett, S. (1996), 'Towards a model of workplace learning: The learning curriculum', Studies in Continuing Education, 18, 1, 43-58.
6. Billett, S. (2002), 'Critiquing workplace discourses: Participation and continuity at work', Studies in the Education of Adults, 34, 1, 56-67.
7. Billett, S. (2004), 'Learning through work: Workplace participatory practices', in H. Rainbird, A. Fuller and A. Munro (eds), Workplace Learning in Context (London: Routledge), pp. 109-25.
8. Bishop, D., Felstead, A., Fuller, A., Jewson, N., Lee, T. and Unwin, L. (2006), Connecting Culture and Learning in Organisations: A Review of Current Themes. Learning as Work Research Paper No. 5, Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester.
9. Burke, L. and Hutchins, H. (2007), 'Training transfer: An integrative literature review', Human Resource Development Review, 6, 3, 263-96.
10. Byrne, J., Galt, V., Ibrahim, G., Simms, J. and White, F. (2002), Barriers to Training in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Nottinghamshire Research Observatory and Centre for Growing Businesses, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham.
11. Campanelli, P., Channele, J., McCauley, L., Renouf, A. and Thomas, R. (1994), Training: An explanation of the word and concept with an analysis of the implications for survey design. Research Series No. 30, Employment Department, London.
12. Carter, S., Mason, C. and Tagg, S. (2006), Lifting the Barriers to Growth in UK Small Businesses (London: Federation of Small Businesses). Available at http://www.fsb.org.uk/documentstore/filedetails.asp?id=331 (accessed 25 March 2008).
13. Coetzer, A. (2006), 'Managers as learning facilitators in small manufacturing firms', Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 13, 3, 351-62.
14. Coetzer, A. (2007), 'Employee perceptions of their workplaces as learning environments', Journal of Workplace Learning, 19, 7, 417-34.
15. Coffield, F. (2000), 'The structure below the surface: Reassessing the significance of informal learning', in F. Coffield (ed.), The Necessity of Informal Learning (Bristol: Policy Press), pp. 1-11.
16. Colley, H., Hodkinson, P. and Malcolm, J. (2002), Non-Formal Learning: Mapping the Conceptual Terrain. A Consultation Report. Available at http://www.infed.org/archives/e-Texts/colley_informal_learning.htm (accessed 25 March 2008).
17. Cosh, A., Duncan, J. and Hughes, A. (1998), 'Investment in Training and Small Firm Growth and Survival: An Empirical Analysis for the UK 1987-95', DfEE Research Report RR36 (London: DfES).
18. Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Bullock, A. and Potton, M. (2003), 'The Relationship Between Training and Business Performance', DfES Research Report RR454 (London: DfES).
19. Curran, J., Blackburn, R., Kitching, J. and North, J. (1996), 'Establishing Small Firms' Training Practices, Needs, Difficulties and Use of Industry Training Organisations', Research Studies RS17 (London: DfEE/HMSO).
20. Doyle, L. and Hughes, M. (2004), Learning Without Lessons: Supporting Learning in Small Businesses (London: Learning and Skills Development Agency). Available at http://www.lsda.org.uk/files/pdf/1685.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
21. Eraut, M. (2000), 'Non-formal learning, implicit learning and tacit knowledge in professional work', in F. Coffield (ed.), The Necessity of Informal Learning (Bristol: Policy Press), pp. 12-31.
22. Eraut, M. (2004), 'Informal learning in the workplace', Studies in Continuing Education, 26, 4, 247-73.
23. Eraut, M., Alderton, J., Cole, G. and Senker, P. (2000), 'Development of knowledge and skills at work', in F. Coffield (ed.), Differing Visions of a Learning Society, Vol. 1 (Bristol: Policy Press), pp. 231-62.
24. Felstead, A., Fuller, A., Unwin, L., Ashton, D., Butler, P., Lee, T. and Walters, S. (2005), 'Surveying the scene: Learning metaphors, survey design and the workplace context', Journal of Education and Work, 18, 4, 359-83.
25. Fuller, A. and Unwin, L. (2004), 'Expansive learning environments: integrating organizational and personal development', in H. Rainbird, A. Fuller and A. Munro (eds), Workplace Learning in Context (London: Routledge), pp. 126-44.
26. Fuller, A., Ashton, D., Felstead, A., Unwin, L., Walters, S. and Quinn, M. (2003), The Impact of Informal Learning at Work on Business Productivity (London: DTI).
27. Green, F. and McIntosh, S. (2006), 'Non-Certified Learning and Skills: Incidence in the UK, Variation Across Countries and Links to Productivity', Report for the DTI. Available at http://www.berr.gov.uk/ files/file33704.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
28. Grugulis, I. (2007), Skills, Training and Human Resource Development: A Critical Text (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan).
29. Hill, R. (2004), 'Why HRD in small organisations may have become a neglected field of study', in J. Stewart and G. Beaver (eds), HRD in Small Organisations (London: Routledge), pp. 8-25.
30. HM Treasury (2002), Developing Workforce Skills: Piloting a New Approach (London: HM Treasury).
31. Hodkinson, P. and Hodkinson, H. (2004), 'The complexities of workplace learning: Problems and dangers in trying to measure attainment', in H. Rainbird, A. Fuller and A. Munro (eds), Workplace Learning in Context (London: Routledge), pp. 259-75.
32. Hoque, K. and Bacon, N. (2006), 'The antecedents of training activity in British small and medium-sized enterprises', Work, Employment and Society, 20, 3, 531-52.
33. IFF Research (2008), The Annual Survey of Small Businesses' Opinions 2006/07. Available at http://www.berr.gov.uk/publications/index.html (accessed 25 March 2008).
34. Johnson, S. (1999), 'Skills Issues for Small and Medium sized Enterprises', Skills Task Force Research Paper 13 (London: Middlesex University Business School).
35. Kamoche, K. and Mueller, F. (1998), 'Human resource management and the appropriationlearning perspective', Human Relations, 51, 8, 1033-60.
36. Keep, E. and Mayhew, K. (1999), 'The assessment: Knowledge, skills and competitiveness', Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 15, 1, 1-15.
37. Kitching, J. (2007), 'Regulating employment relations through workplace learning: A study of small employers', Human Resource Management Journal, 17, 1, 42-57.
38. Kitching, J. and Blackburn, R. (2002), 'The Nature of Training and Motivation to Train in Small Firms, Department for Education and Skills', Research Report 330. Available at http://wwwdfes.gov.uk/ research/data/uploadfiles/RR330.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
39. Kitson, M. and Wilkinson, F. (2003), 'Labour mobility, training and labour force flexibility', in A. Cosh and A. Hughes (eds), Enterprise Challenged (Cambridge University: ESRC Centre for Business Research), pp. 32-44.
40. Lave, J. and Wenger, E. (1991), Situated Learning (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
41. Learning and Skills Council (LSC) (2006), National Employers Skills Survey 2005: Main Report. Available at http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/Lsc/ 2006/research/commissioned/nat-National employersskillssurvey2005mainreport-Re-June2006.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
42. Leitch Review of Skills (2006), 'Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills'. Available at http://www.hm-Treasury.gov.uk./media/6/4/leitch_finalreport051206.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
43. Lloyd, C. (2005), 'Competitive strategy and skills: Working out the fit in the fitness industry', Human Resource Management Journal, 15, 2, 15-34.
44. Marsick, V. and Watkins, K. (1987), 'Approaches to studying learning in the workplace', in V. Marsick (ed.), Learning in the Workplace (London: Croom Helm), pp. 171-98.
45. Mason, G. (2004), Enterprise product strategies and employer demand for skills: Evidence from the Employers Skills Survey. SKOPE Research Paper No. 50. Available at http://www.skope.ox.ac.uk/WorkingPapers/ SKOPEWP50.PDF (accessed 25 March 2008).
46. Mason, G. (2005), 'In Search of High Value Added Production: How Important are Skills?', Research Report RR663 (London: Department for Education and Skills). Available at http://www.ssda.org.uk/ssda/pdf/ 051108%20D%20Research%20In%20Search%20of%20High%20 Value%20Added%20Production.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
47. Matlay, H. (2004), 'Contemporary training initiatives in Britain: A small business perspective', Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 11, 4, 504-13.
48. Raddon, A. and Sung, J. (2006), The role of employers in sectoral skills development: International approaches. Working paper No. 49, Centre for Labour Market Studies. Available at http://www.clms.le.ac.uk/ publications/workingpapers/working_paper49.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
49. Rainbird, H., Munro, A. and Holly, L. (2004), 'The employment relationship and workplace learning', in H. Rainbird, A. Fuller and A. Munro (eds), Workplace Learning in Context (London: Routledge), pp. 38-53.
50. Ram, M. (1994), Managing to Survive (London: Routledge).
51. Rubery, J. and Grimshaw, D. (2003), The Organization of Employment: An International Perspective (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan).
52. Ryan, P. (1991), 'How much do employers spend on training? An assessment of the "Training in Britain" estimates', Human Resource Management Journal, 1, 4, 55-76.
53. Skule, S. (2004), 'Learning conditions at work: A framework to understand and assess informal learning in the workplace', International Journal of Training and Development, 8, 1, 8-20.
54. Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) (2004), Small Businesses: Skills Assessment 2004 (Sheffield: SFEDI). Available at http://www.sfedi.co.uk/sfedi-Research/reports/skillsreport2004.pdf/ (accessed 25 March 2008).
55. Smith, A., Boocock, G., Loan-Clarke, J. and Whittaker, J. (2002), 'IiP and SMEs: Awareness, benefits and barriers', Personnel Review, 31, 1, 62-85.
56. Sung, J. and Quinn, M. (2006), Learning and Development: Annual Survey Report 2006 (London: CIPD). Available at http://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/ rdonlyres/97BE272C-8859-4DB1-BD99-17F38E4B4484/0/lrnandevsurv0406.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
57. Tamkin, P. (2005), The Contribution of Skills to Business Performance (Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies). Available at http://www.ssda.org.uk/pdf/050825%20R%20Final%20IiP%20skills%20 performance.pdf (accessed 25 March 2008).
58. Unwin, L., Felstead, A., Fuller, A., Ashton, D., Bishop, D., Lee, T. and Jewson, N. (2006), 'The value and pitfalls of informal learning', in S. Porter and M. Campbell (eds), Skills and Economic Performance, (London: Sector Skills Development Agency), pp. 115-31.
59. Velada, R., Caetano, A., Michel, J., Lyons, B. and Kavanagh, M. (2007), 'The effects of training design, individual characteristics and work environment on transfer of training', International Journal of Training and Development, 11, 4, 282-94.
60. Westhead, P. and Storey, D. (1997), 'Training Provision and the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises', DfEE Research Report No. 26 (London: DfEE/HMSO).