Prioritizing

In the practical, day-to-day operation of an organization, decisions on the devotion of staff time to developmental activities often involve the consideration and balancing of a number of factors including:

linkage to OA strategic plan/mission
the needs of the office
the needs of the employee
the time, cost, and availability of funds for development
the prospect of benefits to the organization and individual
the overall staffing and workload situation within the office.

These factors are largely a matter of the judgment of the supervisor (with guidance herein and by OA policies).

All L&D activities are performance related. However, given limited resources, it is important to set priorities to ensure that the organization's most critical needs are met.

Priority should be given to L&D activities that must be acquired as a result of a law or other authority or needed to meet the goals and objectives established under the OAs' strategic plans. This applies to those activities needed to ensure an acceptable level of employee performance. OAsare also encouraged to give high priority to L&D activities that are necessary due to downsizing and restructuring efforts. These types of L&D activities are expected to have a positive impact on the performance of new tasks or functions that the employee may reasonably expect to be assigned in the near future.

Next priority is given to L&D activities that are needed to enhance proficiency in the present job.