The Skills Time Bomb: Part 3: Developing a New Skills Mix

The development of a new skills mix must be seen as part of an organisational change management strategy. It is only credible when it adds value to what an organisation does. The role of baseline skills is examined together with the failure of competency‐based management philosophies to set the scene for appropriate training and development. A major factor in the development of a new skills mix is the capability of workers with regard to self‐management and self‐redesign of work. It is contended that middle management and the process of management hold the key to achieving a successful new mix of skills for competitive advantage.