Session Information
23 SES 04 A, European Lifelong Learning and the Challenges of Global Recession: Realities and Prospects for Efficiency, Equity and Cohesion (Part 2)
Symposium, continued from 23 SES 03 A
Time:
2009-09-28
16:00-17:30
Room:
HG, HS 28
Chair:
Sheila Riddell
Discussant:
Terri Seddon
Contribution
While policy documents recommend investment in training and education during economic downturns, there is no clear evidence on whether aggregated enterprise training activity reacts cyclically or counter-cyclically. In fact, we see both: some enterprises cut back training rapidly when facing difficulties; others maintain near-stable provision.
This paper builds on the findings and theoretical framework of a comparative study of adult education and training in SMEs in 12 European countries. After reviewing business and enterprise training research, we explore explanations for varying patterns. We argue enterprises develop training cultures over relatively long periods. Cultural patterns shape training activities which become – for some enterprises – comparatively independent of short-time changes in economic climate or organisational performance. Individual employees’ motives can also provide a basis for stable educational participation rates.
By examining formal adult education, we discuss cultures which might shape individual and organisational aims so they are unlikely to change with the business cycle. In good times and bad, the characteristics of a country’s LLL system have a favourable or limiting effect on the training cultures which enterprises develop (and employees experience). The impact of economic crisis on training is mediated by national LLL systems; in some countries, this may require substantial reform.
Method
Expected Outcomes
References
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