Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use

Bennett, B. 2006. Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use. Development and Learning in Organizations. 20 (6), pp. 13-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280610706167

TitlePersonal development plans: evidence from research on their use
AuthorsBennett, B.
Abstract

Purpose - The article aims to investigate personal development plans (PDPs), which have become increasingly popular in organizations as perceived demands for staff to become more adaptable, flexible and empowered have grown in response to internal and external organizational change. The adoption of PDPs is seen to be in tune with the times.

Design/methodology/approach - This article draws from research into work based learning by Strategic Developments International.

Findings - The study shows that, despite their popularity, PDPs are used patchily and only a few organizations use them well. One problem is that "Personal" can come to mean disconnected from work or from the organization's strategy. Second, we see too often that these plans stay as interesting plans that do not get actioned. A third concern is that the PDP is often very short term. However, just because many people and organizations use PDPs badly does not undermine the value of planned learning. It just means that learners and their managers need to manage the process well so that they and their organization get the maximum value from it.

Originality/value - The article provides guidance on how to get the best from the PDP process.

KeywordsPerformance appraisal, self development, workplace learning
JournalDevelopment and Learning in Organizations
Journal citation20 (6), pp. 13-15
ISSN1477-7282
Year2006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280610706167
Publication dates
Published2006

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