Training challenges in regulated industries: making it work
| Pages | 155-159 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-12-2017-0089 |
| Published date | 11 June 2018 |
| Date | 11 June 2018 |
| Author | Stefanie Götze,Debora Jeske,Karolina Benters |
| Subject Matter | HR & organizational behaviour,Employee behaviour |
On another note
Training challenges in regulated
industries: making it work
Stefanie Götze, Debora Jeske and Karolina Benters
Abstract
Purpose –Trainers and organisations in heavily regulated industries face a number of training-related HR
challenges. The purpose of this paper is to examine barriers and propose solutionsin such circumstances.
Design/methodology/approach –The paper briefly outlinesthe results of a case study involving multi-
method data collection(interview, survey, focus groups, etc.) to explorebarriers to training effectiveness
in a pharmaceuticalcompany in Germany.
Findings –The case study suggests that the company in question experienced several time and
resource pressures to accommodate internally and externally required training needs. Other issues
pertainedto negative effects of thesecircumstances on employeemotivation, engagementand relevance
of training.
Practical implications –Based on the case study and existing work, a number of general practical
recommendations are outlined for trainers working in regulated industries. These include suggestions
such as the need for situation awarenessin the design of the training strategy,co-creation in training, the
benefit of linking training to reward systems,training accreditation and the benefit of reviewing existing
trainingapproaches in the regulated industry.
Originality/value –The paper provides one starting point for those leading and managing training
activitiesin regulated industry settings to manage the internaland external training challenges.
Keywords Accreditation, Rewards, Regulated industry, Training schedule
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, are subject to rigorous (inter)national
regulations. However, the relentless pressure to innovate, to move towards digitalisation and
globalised workforces contribute to an unpredictable, even disruptive, future of corporate
training (Meister and Willyerd, 2010). Moreover, corporate training has become a mandatory
and little flexible must-do in every day’s working life. Hence, compliance, quality expectations
and state regulations heavily impact the pharmaceutical industry which might include
constraining particularities. In addition, the WHO, FDA or (inter)national laws and regulations
impact corporate training within the pharmaceutical sector (Farb et al., 2005). To adhere and
comply with them but still offer innovative and captivating training sessions, creativity combined
with scrutinised planning needs to be applied.
Managing training in regulated settings: an example
The following insights are based on the outcomes of a case study conducted with a major
pharmaceutical company in Germany, specifically the Operations Unit within this company.
In our case study, this department was responsible for every step alongside the supply
Stefanie Go
¨tze is based at
PwC Strategy& Germany
GmbH, Munich, Germany.
Debora Jeske is Lecturer at
School of Applied
Psychology, University
College Cork, National
University of Ireland, Cork,
Ireland. Karolina Benters is
based at Boehringer
Ingelheim, Ingelheim am
Rhein, Germany.
DOI 10.1108/SHR-12-2017-0089 VOL. 17 NO. 3 2018,pp. 155-159, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1475-4398 jSTRATEGIC HR REVIEW jPAGE 155
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