Future challenges for human resource development professionals in european learning-oriented organisations

Within the scope of the TSER-project (1998-2000) which aimed to examine new HRD initiatives in learning-oriented organisations throughout Europe, this paper presents the general findings and some country specific differences for Belgium. The study aimed to answer the following questions: How do HRD departments in learning-oriented organisations envision their new role in stimulating and supporting employees to learn continuously? What strategies do HRD departments adopt to realise their envisioned role? What inhibiting factors do they encounter when trying to realise their new role? A survey held among a group of 165 companies, 39 of which are located in Belgium, made clear that the Belgian HRD professionals do not position themselves on the first place as strategic partners in realising the business. Also the results concerning the strategies do not disclose a picture of highly innovative HRD practices. However, the professionals indicate that strategies to support the business and to stimulate learning and knowledge sharing will become increasingly important strategies for the future. The factors that appear to hinder the change process most strongly, are a lack of time on behalf of the employees and managers, a lack of clarity on HRD's role, insufficient learning culture and low flexibility of the organisational structure.