This document discusses linking behaviorist and humanistic approaches in human resource development. It notes that while behaviorist strategies focus on profit and view people as machines motivated by money, humanistic strategies view employees as unique individuals with potential. The problem is that employers often perceive these approaches differently. The implication is that there is a need to balance employee needs with company goals through career development and addressing organizational "misfits". The solution proposed is to close the gap between functions through understanding HRD structure and ensuring the system meets employee needs.

1. Linking Behaviorist & Humanistic Value-Based Strategies in HRD
Profit Driven (-) People Driven (+)
Behaviorist Negative Impact Introduction Positve Impact Humanistic
• Working Environment Changing
Approach • Achieve Productivity, Profitability Approach
• Improve Interpersonal Skills
• Money vs. Career Development
• High Skill, Collaborative Workforce
Money First, Is Human Relations
People Second? Important?
Problem
• Employee Culture & Aspects
• Real Challenges & Practices
• Formal Education & Training
Does Money Business • Employers Perceive Differently HRD
Are Employee’s
Motivate? Strategies • Mergers & Acquisitions Strategies Skills Important?
People are Maintains that all
Machines? Employees in the Workforce People are Unique?
How One Should Organizational Professional
People Possess
Implication
Perform? Development • A Need for Career Development Development Individual Potential?
• Company & Cultural “Misfits”
• Workforce Unpredictability
• Undergoing Major Changes
Initiated by External • Historical Challenges with People Emerging High Skill
Environments Workforce?
Solution
• Balance the Needs of the People
Any Compensation • Closed-Loop Gap Analysis… Put Knowledge to
• Function-to-Function Process
& Rewards? • Understanding of HRD Structure
Work in New Ways?
• HRD System in Meeting the Needs
Northern Illinois University, Adult & Higher Education Larry D. Weas, Graduate Student, Ed. D. OD/HRD