Grandpa lived to see white men walking on the moon (and other tales of employee development)

Initiatives in employee development (non‐work related learning) represent a significant growth phenomenon. Identifies an orthodox account of ED which has developed alongside this growth; one that revolves around shared interests and a routeway to organisation learning. The assumed mutuality which underpins orthodox accounts of the benefits that flow from ED is characterised by a return to learning which leads to greater flexibility, increased commitment and ultimately enhanced performance. Addresses some questions which appear to have been ignored in the desire to promote ED. Highlights key issues, such as, when given the choice, most employees choose not to participate, and questions whether ED can really represent a learning process which is both distinct from and superior to that which takes place day in, day out, within the workplace.