Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations

334 Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofi t Organizations

Exhibit 11.2. Leadership Competencies Expected of Senior Executive

Service Executives (coutinued)

Political Savvy. Identifi es the internal and external politics that impact the work of the

organization. Approaches each problem situation with a clear perception of organi-

zational and political reality; recognizes the impact of alternative courses of action.

◆◆◆

Written Communication. Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing,

and organized manner

Source: U.S. Offi ce of Personnel Management. Senior Executive Service (2008).

An example of an executive development program in the nonprofi t

sector is one developed by the YMCA of the USA ’ s national headquar-

ters. Senior managers at the YMCA ’ s 1,966 affi liates across the country

nominate people who demonstrate leadership potential to the national

headquarters, which selects the participants. This program is designed

to develop nonwhite leaders from within the organization. The YMCA

assigns participants to a senior - level leader who will coach them through

a twelve - to eighteen - month set of courses, retreats, and tests to prepare

them to take the next step up the organizational ladder, usually to a chief

executive or executive director position (Anft, 2007).

Conclusion

Training is the systematic process by which employees learn the KSAOCs

necessary to do their jobs. It is typically associated with improving the

performance, knowledge, or skill of employees in their current positions.

Career development is viewed as a continuous process consisting of evaluat-

ing abilities and interests, establishing career goals, and planning develop-

mental activities that relate to employees ’ and the organization ’ s future

needs. Organizations must recognize the importance of both training

and career development planning and provide career enhancement and

developmental opportunities.

Given the advances and greater availability in technology, employees

and agencies have a greater variety of training methods to select from.

E - learning and technology - based training have become more common.