The linkage between business strategy and training and development needs in organizations

This dissertation in Higher Education explores the relationship between the business strategy of organizations and their corresponding training and professional development needs. More specifically, this research focuses on the linkage between the business strategy or organizations using the Miles and Snow typology (1978) and the amount, functional emphasis, and type of training reported by the organizations. The responses of private sector organizations were studied because of the expected increased interest by higher education in serving the educational needs of the business community as a result of the increasing numbers of adult students, and the decreasing numbers of traditional college age students in many regions of the country. This dissertation provides insights to continuing education professionals in higher education concerning the strategy of businesses and their training needs which may lead those involved in continuing education to an enhanced awareness of the strategic arena in which businesses operate, and perhaps prompt the development of strategy based educational needs assessment.