Sheet 50
"WORK OR TRAIN"
Mr. Kubota is Chief of the General Affairs Section in the Coordination Division of the Policy Coordination Department. This morning, the Personnel Division informed him that Mr. Kotani from the division's Planning Section, should participate in the next training program for mid-career employees. Mr. Kubota, in the capacity of section chief, is responsible for the promotion of training participation among the department employees. He believes himself that training is extremely important and has strongly encouraged other divisions to send their staff on group training courses.
The mid-career employee's training program is mainly for non-supervisory staff with six years' work experience since graduation from high school. It is also targeted at college graduates with two years' job experience. Employees meeting these standards are required to participate in this training. If attendance is not possible at the time requested, they are expected to participate at a later date.
The training period is ten days in length and the curriculum ranges from the introduction of other departments programs to how to assist supervisors, problem diagnosis and solution, human relations in office, creativity, and self-development, and so forth. Part of the training program is conducted at a residential training institute where participants stay for several nights.
Mr. Kubota conveyed this information to Mr. Taguchi, Director of the Coordination Division, who responded, "Ah, Mr. Kotani's turn, this year. The planning section is quite busy at present. I don't mind Mr. Kotani's participation, however, if his supervisor, Mr. Inoue agrees."
Following this, Mr. Kubota approached Mr. Inoue, Chief of the Planning Section, to discuss the issue but he was met with outright refusal. "We are going to be extremely busy in the days ahead. It is impossible for him to participate in training this year. Other staff in the division are not as experienced as Mr. Kotani. I need him to keep our operations run smoothly."
"I'm fully aware of how busy your section is, but this training is an extremely important career development step for Mr. Kotani. This is a regular training program. You have been given plenty of notice in advance to organize your work schedule." Mr Kubota tried to persuade him.
"I agree in principle, that training is very important but it is utterly ridiculous for us to send Mr. Kotani on a training program at the expense of our business. On-the-job training is more direct and practical, don't you think ? I've never heard of anyone making remarkable progress in their job performance as a result of training. An excellent member of staff is outstanding with or without training.", he retorted.
