Work-Based Learning: The New Frontier of Management Development (Addison-Wesley Series on Organization Development) [Paperback]

Joseph Raelin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0201433885 | ISBN-13: 978-0201433883

This guide introduces the unique but very practical approach to "work-based learning" that recognizes worksites as acceptable locations for learning. It offers managers, faced with the relentless pace of pervasive change, an opportunity to overcome time pressures by reflecting upon and learning from the artistry of their own action. Downsizing, transient workforce, and competitive, fast-paced environments make quick response and adjustment to organizational change a necessity. This book aims to bring organizational learning out of the classroom and back into the most natural place for it to occur: at work. Integrating a vast array of action and reflection strategies, this comprehensive approach covers topics of reflective practices, collective learning, and the facilitation, management, and evaluation of work-based learning. This trade reference would be of interest to any executive educators, whatever function they may occupy in their organization, who are concerned about promoting and delivering training and development services within their organizations. Secondly, the book would be of general value to any manager who wants and need to learn while doing. It can also be used as a supplement in training programs or reading resources for any professional who wishes to consider making a transition into management and needs a practical way to learn the related skills and leadership.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I very much enjoyed Joe Raelin's book.

It provides a thorough review of the critical concepts that are related to Work-Based Learning. In my opinion, it is important that practitioners and scholars understand the foundations of the field.

It provides relevant and appropriate descriptions and critiques of many of the key concepts. The reader is introduced to the important strengths and weaknesses of the concepts and the different frameworks.

It provides actual examples of workplace learning that inform the readers how they can carry out workplace learning.

The book is not only well-written, it provides the reader an appreciation of the history as well as current practice in ways that are practical yet not superficial. -- Chris Argyris of Harvard University

"What I liked about the manuscript is the timeliness of the topic. Work-based learning is important, that is, our need to understand the principles involved and how best to apply them. The book is relevant to OD and OD people can benefit from a reading of this volume." -- Warner Burke of Columbia University

From the Back Cover

This guide introduces the unique but very practical approach to "work-based learning" that recognizes worksites as acceptable locations for learning. It offers managers, faced with the relentless pace of pervasive change, an opportunity to overcome time pressures by reflecting upon and learning from the artistry of their own action. Downsizing, transient workforce, and competitive, fast-paced environments make quick response and adjustment to organizational change a necessity. This book aims to bring organizational learning out of the classroom and back into the most natural place for it to occur: at work. Integrating a vast array of action and reflection strategies, this comprehensive approach covers topics of reflective practices, collective learning, and the facilitation, management, and evaluation of work-based learning. This trade reference would be of interest to any executive educators, whatever function they may occupy in their organization, who are concerned about promoting and delivering training and development services within their organizations. Secondly, the book would be of general value to any manager who wants and need to learn while doing. It can also be used as a supplement in training programs or reading resources for any professional who wishes to consider making a transition into management and needs a practical way to learn the related skills and leadership.

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: FT Press (June 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201433885
• ISBN-13: 978-0201433883
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,696,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All You Need to Know about Work Based Learning, November 24, 1999

By 

bob dischner (Syracuse, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Work-Based Learning: The New Frontier of Management Development (Addison-Wesley Series on Organization Development) (Paperback)

I enjoyed the book immensely for a variety of reasons. Among the reasons: it filled in my own understanding of Work Based Learning; it combines a nice balance between theory and practice; and, the organization of the book was excellent.

The book is comprehensive; solid; impressive in its breadth and depth; and, written confidently by an expert in the field.

Kudos to Joe Raelin for helping us business types so readily understand all sides of Work Based Learning.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some good information but not great writing, February 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Work-Based Learning: The New Frontier of Management Development (Addison-Wesley Series on Organization Development) (Paperback)

I have mixed feelings about this book.

I ordered it because I was considering a work based learning business degree. And, I have to say, the information in the book was very useful. (I carefully read the first half of the book and then skimmed the second half.) If I graded this book on content alone, I'd give it five stars.

Nevertheless, the writing isn't great. I write professionally myself and publish books that cover similarly complex subjects. And the writing in this book is just barely acceptable. Too many buzzwords. Complicated sentence structures. Too many paragraphs with no topic sentences. For the less than friendly writing, I give it one or two stars... Hence the three-star average

My bottomline suggestion? If you really want the information, you'll probably be quite satisfied with this book. But because of the stilted, academic style, you'll work much harder in your reading than you should have to work.