Business Values Debate

Purpose
We often get asked about the importance of values in the workplace and if they have the impact set out to be achieved when they are communicated to the business. So we decided to find out. Bringing together learning and development and business professionals, we ran a debate based on the question ‘Should Learning and Development be aligned to Business Values?’

Solution
First we posted the question on LinkedIn. This sparked some excellent discussion and some great impartial responses and ideas, which helped fuel the debate, for both for and against the motion.

Our debate followed standard debating rules with each team taking turns to put forward their arguments. Each team were given a set amount of time to discuss their stand point and had to decide a speaking order amongst their participants.

Afterwards there was then an opportunity to discuss the motion openly, as well as discussing good and bad practice experience in the workplace.

Summary
The debate concluded with all agreeing that true business values aligned with L&D are necessary if a company is to achieve its maximum potential.

Nikki Bartlett, director of Zest Learning, said: "The debate raised some interesting issues and stimulating discussion. In the current, difficult economic climate, L&D must add value to a business, which means we need to have a deeper understanding of the business needs and values.

To increase the impact and value of L&D, there has to be a capability of aligning it with strategic values as well as adapting to individual needs. In order to be effective, we need to be working with true business values, which are lived and embodied by the organisation - values that are tangible. From this platform, effective learning aligned with true business values adds maximum value."