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Staff Development Initiative

STAFF DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

In the modern world, most members of staff whether in Schools, workplaces and other circles are taking advantage of opportunities to

improve their professional skills and increase their effectiveness.

It is an open secret that most members of staff who join theirrespective Institutions have lower educational or professionalbackground and have upgraded either by the sponsorship of theiremployers or by their own initiatives.

The most important aspect on this one is DEDICATION to what onewants to achieve. Without DEDICATION, the sponsors can waste theresources as well as time. Some schools in Malawi had teachers whowere possessing lower grades of their certificates but with the

introduction of Teachers Development Centers (TDCs), most of themhave made tremendous improvements in their academic qualificationsas well as professionalism. This also implies to other Institutions withinthe Government set up where members of staff have been seen beingequipped with necessary skills at Malawi Institute of Management inareas of their choice ranging from Middle managers to ChiefExecutives.

However, there are some limiting factors to staff development whichthe employers should look at them critically. i.e.

Lack of adequate funding to the areas of staff development

which may cater for only few members. Lack of encouragement to those who have upgraded themselves

in terms of remunerations and promotions.

Change of career is not encouraged regardless of potential in the

members.

Quick learners are not identified because of the complex system

of appraising members of staff.

In any learning situation, learners undergo some type of CHANGE, andunderstanding the nature of change is very important. Therefore,change by individuals entails growth, both in terms of how they feelabout the change and their skills in applying any innovations.

There might be various reasons for staff development which anorganization can incorporate in its strategy such as

o Personal professional development which is a self-directed

approach based on individual needs and choice.

Prepared by Clemence Elwyn Genesis Jere Malawi Institute of Management 1

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Staff Development Initiative

o Credentials- After successful completion of a program as a

requirement for licensing or certification.o Induction which is the supplementing of skills and knowledge for

the newly hired.There are a lot other angles to see on STAFF DEVELOPMENT.

Prepared by Clemence Elwyn Genesis Jere Malawi Institute of Management 2