Recommended Reading

Zap the Gaps! Target Higher Performance and Achieve It!
Blanchard, Ken; Robinson, Dana; Robinson, Jim 126p (2002)
Managers at all levels within organizations often see a problem and jump to a solution. However, many times the solution does not solve the problem because the manager did not uncover the root cause. Blanchard and his coauthors teach you how to systematically avoid this often destructive pitfall.
Where to buy: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Moving from Training to Performance: A Practical Guidebook
Robinson, Dana Gaines, ed.; Robinson, James C., ed. 339p (1998)
A practical guidebook for HRD professionals. Describes the theory behind human performance and illustrates how to shift an organization from a training focus to a human performance focus. A model, diagrams, descriptions, and case studies are used to illustrate the implementation, evaluation, and measurement of a performance-based approach in an organization.
Where to buy: Amazon, ASTD or Barnes & Noble

Performance Improvement Interventions: Culture & Systems Change
Dean, Peter J.; Ripley, David E. 487p (1998)
Contains a collection of articles on how organizational culture systems effect human performance. States that traditional performance interventions such as training or job aids are not enough and that interventions occasionally must investigate the worker's environment. Discusses identifying performance improvement solutions, transfer of training, performance architecture, organization development as a performance intervention, and organizational patterns.
Where to buy: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

The Manager's Pocket Guide to Performance Management
Fisher, Sharon G. 117p (1997)
Provides a system of managing employee performance that covers analyzing the performance, identifying the cause of performance gaps, selecting an improvement strategy, managing training, and evaluating the outcome.
Where to buy: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Building High Performance: Tools and Techniques for Training and Learning
Vander Linde, Karen; Biech, Elaine 335p (1998)
Explains and illustrates the process needed to change an organization's focus from traditional training to a high performance orientation. Each chapter discusses action-oriented steps that can be taken. Provides techniques, tips, hints, tools, exercises, and worksheets. Chapters cover topics such as: trends in training and learning, supporting performance-focused leadership, enhancing coaching and on-the-job learning, managing change, enabling teamwork, and promoting innovation and creativity. Includes a chapter on developing a business strategy for the training and development function.
Where to buy: ASTD

Delivering on the Promise: How to Attract, Manage, and Maintain Human Capital
Friedman, Brian; Hatch, James; Walker, David M. 225p (1998)
Discusses how to manage an organization's human capital to improve return on investment and minimize risk. Presents guidelines for conducting a human capital appraisal that tracks human resource programs such as performance management, career development, and retirement through five stages of development. Contains examples of how many companies are valuing employees through human capital programs.
Where to buy: Amazon

In Action: Improving Performance in Organizations
Rothwell, William J., ed.; Dubois, David D., ed. 202p (1998)
Presents 11 case studies from a broad cross section of organizations that have attempted to move beyond training to performance improvement initiatives. Shows the work of HRD practitioners and consultants attempting to link human performance improvement to organizational strategies. Includes case studies from organizations such as Harley-Davidson, Motorola, and Southern California Gas Company. Provides useful information for HRD managers, academics, students, and line managers. Includes discussion questions for each case study.
Where to buy: Amazon