Job Description of a Chief Learning Officer
Executives called chief learning officers (CLOs), also known as chief knowledge officers, ensure availability of the strategically critical knowledge firms need to achieve business goals. A CLO seeks ways to earn revenue from the company's intellectual property and guides the institution toward becoming a learning organization. The CLO usually reports directly to the CEO but may report to a vice president of human resources or other senior executive.
Other People Are Reading
-
Learning Organizations
-
Author Robert Garratt, among others, developed the term "learning organization" in his management writings during the 1980s. Today, the term indicates a company that achieves competitive advantages by facilitating the learning of its employees and using knowledge to continuously transform itself. A CLO provides the top leadership in these efforts.
Objectives
-
Chief learning officers concern themselves with tapping the potential of the entire organization and employee base by creating an environment that makes everyone a participant and contributor to achievement of the firm's goals. CLOs provide many learning opportunities with the belief that this will lead to retention and development of exceptional employees.
-
Duties
-
CLOs help assess and review the performance of executives and provide executive coaching programs. They design and deliver programs at all levels of the organization aimed at building leadership, technical and other skills. In addition to their responsibilities for training and personnel development, they contribute to other strategic initiatives, such as change management, organizational design or succession planning.
Education and Qualifications
-
Educational requirements for top executives such as CLOs vary widely with most firms placing a premium on experience and a demonstrated history of success, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, some firms require a master's or doctoral degree in education, organizational development, human resources or similar field of study. CLOs need strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Compensation
-
According to the Occupational Information Network, top executives in companies and enterprises earned an average of $113,690 annually as of May 2008. Typically, executives also earn benefits and bonuses. Figures specifically for chief learning officers weren't available.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit teacher & students image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
