Hi
From a scholarly and practical perspectives, what could be differences between a researcher professional development (may be research/tenure-track faculty) and a business employee professional development?
Thanks
That's a fantastic question. Although I do not have empirical evidence to support this claim, I would guess that teachers undergo PD much more often than employees in corporate and/or business settings. Beyond that, I have to admit I am not an expert on professional development for business. I would love to hear your hypotheses if you have some.
The difference could be either an easy-going or complex experience. This is depending upon the organization and its culture. As a company, you want your employees to be invested in your goals. I will speak from a corporate and government experience, the aspect of business development is to ensure the employee receive the necessary knowledge to perform his work, therefore, most of the content is centered and focused on the aspect of his job. I personally prioritize professional development over financial rewards. I’m more interested in learning and growing therefore a setting that provides learning, growth, and helps me develop as an individual and employee is a plus.
Rachel E. Gaines Thank you for your reply and positive regard. I will share my insight to you after some time because I am interested in others' opinions right now. Thanks Eric and LeoniDas for your answers as well.
It is essential (ideally) for the person (who is to be developed) to have a PhD for Research Professional Development (RPD) but it is not essential for Business Employee Professional Development (BEPD). RPD is more focused on the field of research but BEPD is more focused on the job, strategic goals, and the mission of the business organization. RPD is more dependent on the personal needs but BEPD is more dependent on business needs. RPD is more academic (pure/basic) but BEPD is more practical (applied). Duration of RPD is longer than that of BEPD.
There is a huge difference between Research Professional Development and Business Employee Professional Development. RPD is focused on academic research adding more information to the body of knowledge. However, BEPD is based on individual or company needs to improve abilities, skills, or competences to maintain or expand their competitive advantage in the market.
Besides the answers provided, work for a researcher never ends...it is extended out of the working hours. For employees, everything finishes when working hours are due, and continue the next day. Once the business closes operations, everything continues the next day. For a researcher, you always take something to do and advance. However, if you like research, that´s great, but it´s important to find a balance between personal and work life.
