Classrooms in the Workplace: Workplace Literacy Programs in Small- and Medium-Sized Firms Kevin Hollenbeck First Chapter | Table of Contents 137 pp. 1993 $40.00 cloth 978-0-88099-146-9 $13.00 paper 978-0-88099-145-2 Since as many as 25–40 percent of the workforce lack the basic skills to understand written or verbal communications, it is little wonder they have problems adapting to changes in the workplace. The result? More firms are implementing workplace literacy programs. Such programs, as defined by Hollenbeck, pertain to the accumulation of human capital that is transferable to other jobs. Employers feel compelled to offer such training as competitive pressures demand the implementation of new technologies in a move toward what are commonly referred to as "high-performance workplaces." Using a combined qualitative/quantitative approach, Hollenbeck estimates the linkage between workplace literacy programs and the reason for their existence—increased productivity requirements. He utilizes in-depth case studies as well as a large database to look at the costs and benefits of such programs, also the determining factors for why firms choose to implement literacy programs. This book makes available essential information—including a list of resource organizations—for anyone interested in workplace literacy programs. While written in a clear fashion to be accessible to employers and policymakers, students of workplace literacy programs will also find empirical evidence supporting his findings. |