Continuous learning : the career challenge for the new century

Abstract

Today's business environment is highly turbulent and complex. Job requirements, work group dynamics, and organisational structures are evolving rapidly in response to rapid ohanges in technological, market, and economic forces. These changes are quite radical and immediate for some organisations and industries, while for others : the changes are incremental, providing managers with ample time for preparation. Such dynamic changes in the business environment have resulted in, and are constantly leading to a more ambiguous and contradictory career signals. The traditional psychological contract whereby an employee entered the job, performed well, was loyal and committed, and thus received rewards and job security, has been replaced by a new contract based on continuous learning and identity change. Today's productive workforce must be highly skilled and flexible, characteristics that can only be developed through extensive training and experiences in a variety of job assignment. Business enterprises must, therefore, reorganise their workplaces to create a workforce of lifelong learners who will continuously upgrade their talents and skills, and promote continuously learning on the job an essential part of their work life.