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examination of readiness for self-directed learning and selected personnel variables at a large Midwestern electronics development and manufacturing corporation

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Date Issued:
1992
Summary:
Rapidly changing technology has dramatically affected the needs of the workforce. As a result, the need is great to implement training and education methods that are maximally effective for the adult learner and can be delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. As a means toward helping achieve this goal, the concept of self-directed learning has been proposed. Effective implementation of self-directed learning methods has the potential to assist workers in adapting to the demands of the information age. This study investigated and analyzed the relationship between scores on the Guglielmino Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) and multiple variables of employees at a large Midwestern company. Fourteen hypotheses were tested, using 27 statistical tests. Conclusions were drawn comparing and supplementing the findings of two earlier studies using similar variables. The SDLRS was administered to 607 employees in nine different occupation categories. The mean score for all respondents was 234, which is above the adult norm. A significant positive relationship was found between the mean SLDRS scores and performance ratings, creativity and problem solving required in the job, degree of change on the job, and education levels. These findings were congruent with those of Guglielmino and Guglielmino's (1981) study of an American utility company and Roberts' (1986) study of the Hong Kong Telephone Company. Other findings were also compared. The Guglielmino and Roberts studies found that a small sample of low performers with high SDLRS scores were in jobs that required low levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptation to change. In the present study, however, no such groups could be isolated. SDLRS scores of males were significantly higher than those of females and managers scored significantly higher than non-managers in the present study. No relationship was found between SDLRS scores and the following variables: age, years of service with the company, and degree of routine on the job. A significant difference in scores was found due to occupation classification. Sales managers and salespeople scored significantly higher than all other categories and manufacturing/factory, and clerical/administrative employees scored significantly lower.
Title: An examination of readiness for self-directed learning and selected personnel variables at a large Midwestern electronics development and manufacturing corporation.
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Name(s): Durr, Richard E.
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Burrichter, Arthur W., Thesis advisor
Guglielmino, Lucy M., Thesis advisor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Issuance: monographic
Date Issued: 1992
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 250 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Rapidly changing technology has dramatically affected the needs of the workforce. As a result, the need is great to implement training and education methods that are maximally effective for the adult learner and can be delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. As a means toward helping achieve this goal, the concept of self-directed learning has been proposed. Effective implementation of self-directed learning methods has the potential to assist workers in adapting to the demands of the information age. This study investigated and analyzed the relationship between scores on the Guglielmino Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) and multiple variables of employees at a large Midwestern company. Fourteen hypotheses were tested, using 27 statistical tests. Conclusions were drawn comparing and supplementing the findings of two earlier studies using similar variables. The SDLRS was administered to 607 employees in nine different occupation categories. The mean score for all respondents was 234, which is above the adult norm. A significant positive relationship was found between the mean SLDRS scores and performance ratings, creativity and problem solving required in the job, degree of change on the job, and education levels. These findings were congruent with those of Guglielmino and Guglielmino's (1981) study of an American utility company and Roberts' (1986) study of the Hong Kong Telephone Company. Other findings were also compared. The Guglielmino and Roberts studies found that a small sample of low performers with high SDLRS scores were in jobs that required low levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptation to change. In the present study, however, no such groups could be isolated. SDLRS scores of males were significantly higher than those of females and managers scored significantly higher than non-managers in the present study. No relationship was found between SDLRS scores and the following variables: age, years of service with the company, and degree of routine on the job. A significant difference in scores was found due to occupation classification. Sales managers and salespeople scored significantly higher than all other categories and manufacturing/factory, and clerical/administrative employees scored significantly lower.
Identifier: 12312 (digitool), FADT12312 (IID), fau:9215 (fedora)
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): College of Education
Thesis (Ed.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1992.
Subject(s): Adult learning
Experiential learning
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12312
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.