01 April Management as a Human Endeavor (...human...)

[Paul Terlemezian]

In the 20th century the training organization was influenced by the industrial society much like most other organizations. We learned to treat business as a "science" and valued the predictable outcomes that came from assembly lines and standards and processess. To my understanding - none of the pieces of property, plant or equipment "minded" that this occurred.

 

How will the training organization be influenced by the knowledge society?

 

Humans, data, knowledge and the decisions that are made are the basic elements of this society.

 

Will assembly lines, standards and processess be the underlying basis of productivity improvement of the knowledge worker?

 

Will the humans mind if this is the case?

[Paul Terlemezian]

The 20th century was influenced by the 19th century when most of our population was influenced by agriculture. The concept of "planting" knowledge and "growing competence" over time was natural - and we applied it to the way people learned.

In addition to assembly lines in the 20 century we learned that anyone could get whatever they could afford. I do not have to know how to grow food to eat, build a house to own one - or perhaps drive a vehicle to buy one!

Perhaps the root of early 21st century discontent will be nurtured by the conflict between 19th century fairness (earning by working and being patient) and 20th century consumption (getting what you can afford now.) What will this mature into? What do you want it to mature into? Are fairness and immediacy - mutually exclusive? Can everyone have access to the same healthcare, education and recreation (liberty, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?) Is it fair that one person can experience the wonders of Hawaii or Alaska - and another not?