Personal Growth: Education and Experience

Abstract

An essential element of human resource management (HRM) is employee growth and development. Two aspects of this development involve growth in job related behaviours and the less tangible but vital aspect of personal growth. The paper focuses on the latter topic. The aim is an exploration of the relationship between experience and education as they relate to personal growth. Since many schools of management and in-house HRM programmes involve the use of experiential approaches to learning, it seems a relevant issue for discussion. In fact, a strong case is made for the use of experience as a critical part of the personal education and growth process. Logical, rational analysis, poetic device, and teaching stories are used to highlight the role of experience. Extensive use is made of developmental notions from Buddhism, Confucianism, Sufism and Taoism. Reference is made to the Kolb et al. learning cycle model to help examine the personal growth experience. The paper discusses both the role of the educator and the role of the employee or seeker of personal growth. The educational process is discussed in terms of negating as well as affirming, abandoning old ideas as well as gaining new ones. Proposed educational aims for the learner are identified.