Training & Development Benefits of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Research Paper Example

Section 1: According to business consultant Carter McNamara (2010), five benefits that relate to training and development of company employees include “Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees, Increased employee motivation, Increased efficiencies in processes, Increased innovation in strategies and products, and reduced employer turnover.” (General Benefits from Employee Training and Development section, para. 3). The emphases hear and common denominator is “increased,” whereby overall organization and individual comfort level balance each other out for the greater good. This relationship between employee’s ability to carry out job functions, and degree to which they benefited from employer-sponsored training and development, is important.

Section 2: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is one of the key historical organizations important to the labor movement in the United States. As an organization, they are run by a president, secretary, and board of directors. Additionally, they are governed by a constitution as well. (Teamsters History section, para. 5). The century of 1903 to 2003 is marked by organizing initiatives surrounding important innovations that relate to industrialization. Accordingly, as The Real Story of the 20^th Century (para. 1)  states, the Teamsters story is interconnected to working and middle class gains in collective bargaining negotiations, health insurance, and long-term insurance, points that can not be overstated. If it were not for the Teamsters, the significant gains made in labor history in North America might not be as advanced as they currently are. Moreover, their model of excellence in labor relations serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by workers for treatment as a human being, instead of merely an objectified hired hand.

Section 3: The Teamsters mission sets out “to create programs and materials that will build skills and enhance knowledge, as well as foster commitment and dedication within our union. Seminars for members, stewards, business agents, and officers provide the perfect opportunity to build union solidarity, mentor younger members and identify specific concerns of union membership and the labor movement.” (About the Training and Development Department section, para. 1). In line with the idea of increasing employee satisfaction, the aforementioned initiatives all help enhance worker comfort levels and company buy in. By helping its members grow and acquire valuable skill-sets, the organization increases its operations base considerably. Recipients of such training associate the opportunities favorably with company ideals, which in turn contribute to a longer, more efficient, relationship between employer and employee.

Section 4: Consider Susan Heathfield’s (2010) belief that “The right employee training, development and education, at the right time, provides big payoffs for the employer in increased productivity, knowledge, loyalty, and contribution. Learn the approaches that will guarantee your training brings a return on your investment.” (para.1). Belief in this system is carried out by the Teamsters training and development initiatives that include a leadership academy, in-house education networks, hands on preparation interacting with the media, and exposure to leading institutions that emphasize labor history. As it relates to those topical examples contained in Section 1, the benefits of training and development for the Teamsters certainly pay off. The primary correlation is empowering the organization worker in such a way that they believe their particular involvement is valued and appreciated. This appreciation derives from the knowledge they bring to the table, supported and cultivated by the organization itself.

References

About the training and development department. (2010).  Retrieved from http://www.teamster.org/content/training-development

Heathfield, Susan M. (2010).Training: Your investment in people development and retention. Retrieved from  http://humanresources.about.com/od/educationgeneral/a/training_invest.htm.

McNamara, Carter. (2010). Employee training and development: Reasons and benefits. Retrieved from http://www.managementhelp.org/trng_dev/basics/reasons.htm.