Strategic Staff Management in SMEs to Support Lifelong Learning: A Literature Review
Strategic Staff Management in SMEs to Support Lifelong Learning: A Literature Review
English
ILO
The International Labour Organization is the tripartite U.N. agency that promotes Decent Work through employment, social security, labour standards and social dialogue. Its work on skills development is guided by the conceptual framework on Skills to improve productivity, employment growth, and development agreed in 2008 by representatives of Governments, Employers’ Associations and Workers’ Associations. Research, policy advice, and pilot projects and technical cooperation programmes to apply good practices in different circumstances across its 185 member States aims to boost the employability of workers, the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises, and the inclusiveness of economic growth. The ILO Secretariat in offices in 40 countries works with Ministries of Labour, employers’ organizations, and trade unions to integrate skills development into national and sector development strategies in order to better meet current labour market needs and to prepare for the jobs of the future; to expand access to employment-related training so that youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are better able to acquire skills and secure productive and decent work; and to improve the ability of public employment services to provide career guidance, maintain labour exchange services, and deliver active labour market programmes.For more information regarding the ILO’s work on skills and employability go to: http://www.ilo.org/skills/lang--en/index.htm; for ILO/Cinterfor's Knowledge Management Plarform, see: http://www.oitcinterfor.org
Lifelong learning
There is a critical need for a greater overall investment in education and training, particularly in developing countries. Education and training investments should be closely linked to economic and employment growth strategies and programmes. Responsibility should be shared between the government (primary responsibility), enterprises, the social partners, and the individual. To make lifelong learning for all a reality, countries will need to make major reforms of their vocational and education and training systems. School-to-work schemes for young people should integrate education with workplace learning. Training systems need to become more flexible and responsive to rapidly changing skill requirements. Reforms should also focus on how learning can be facilitated, not just on training for specific occupational categories.
Research papers
Working papers, reports, and other publications from international organizations, academic institutions and bilateral agencies. Research findings to stimulate informed debate on skills, employment and productivity issues.
This literature review provides a solid entry point into the still under-researched area of staff management in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This literature review takes stock of existing theories, research and relevant policy initiatives. It analyses research results regarding what is strategic staff management practice in SMEs, which barriers does it face, as well as its main enablers. Particular attention is given to the role of national skills systems and to the development of lifelong learning. Its conclusions provide practical suggestions that will inform future research and the development of practical tools for SMEs.
Despite constituting over 90% of businesses and employing over 70% of the global workforce SMEs tend to have a weaker grasp of strategic management of staff and to be less equipped to deal with structural changes and large systemic shocks. Responding to the challenges brought upon by digital innovation, automation and greening of the economy, as well as the effects of Covid-19 will require businesses to make complex choices in terms of staff management. Seizing the economic opportunities that will emerge during the recovery period will require that smaller businesses adopt forward-looking strategies to plan, develop and manage their workforce.
