The ten characteristics of world‐class learning and development

Purpose – The paper aims to put forward ten ways in which learning and development can become more effective. Design/methodology/approach – It explains how each of the ten characteristics – align learning and development with strategic direction, control learning and development activity, develop the learning and development team, quantify learning and development, seek external accreditation and recognition, involve senior leadership, establish a heightened profile, integrate technology in learning, model best practice and move the function outside its comfort zone – helps to ensure that learning and development will become more effective. Findings – It reveals that showing how learning and development provides a return on investment is only part of demonstrating its success. Practical implications – The paper emphasizes the importance of learning and development aligning its activities with organizational strategic direction. Social implications – It highlights the importance of an effective learning and development function to the success of individual organizations and, through that, to society as a whole. Originality/value – The paper gives easy‐to‐understand advice to learning and development specialists.