Recent Advances in HRD in Australia: Application and Implications for International HRD

摘要

This special section of Human Resource Development International explores the contemporary HRD landscape of Australia after 20 years of unprecedented micro-economic reform. These reforms shifted the focus of competitiveness from macro-economic adjustment policies to micro-economics reforms particularly in the labour market. This platform was seen as a way of increasing productivity at the level of the enterprise. This fundamental shift has been described in terms of a 'New Workplace Culture' (Evans, 1991; Morris, 1996). Within these labour market reforms, skill acquisition and development of employees has been a central tenant (ACTU/TDC, 1987). After 20 years of change this special edition provides an opportunity to reflect on how organisations have adapted to this new environment.