Organizational Needs Assessment

I think all of the factors which influence performance and learning are to be considered when completing an organizational needs assessment. With that said, I have been asked to pick one which I consider the most important. For that reason, this summary will focus on personal characteristics, more specifically, age and generation. I have chosen this factor as the most important because in order to provide effective training; the presenter must have an understanding of this influence in today’s workplace. Noe, in his book, Training and Development, outlines the different generations. The terms millenniums and Generation Y refer to people born after 1980. He describes them as optimistic, willing to work and learn, and technology-literate. He also mentions that they appreciate diversity. Next, he describes the term Gen Xers as people born from 1965 to 1980. Gen Xers require feedback and flexibility; they dislike close supervision. He further recognizes they have experienced change all their lives and value a balance between their home and work lives. Next, he describes Baby boomers as people born between 1946 and 1964 who are competitive, hardworking and seek fairness in the workplace. Last, he outlines …show more content…
In reality, I consider all factors important. Since, I was asked to choose one that may be considered least important, self awareness of training needs, career interests and goals is my choice. I chose this factor because initially, most may not be self aware of where they are and where they want to go in their career but, over time they can be mentored, coached and trained into identifying their own personal growth and recognition of their own responsibility to pursue it. I find this a common area requiring continuous support as a manager/trainer. I am often surprised by the ‘deer in the head lights’ look I get when I sit down and ask my employee’s their