Workforce Development and Skill Formation in Asia

Asia has undergone rapid transformation over the past several decades as many countries have embraced new technologies and the processes of globalisation. Over this period the inflow of foreign capital into the region, the level of trade amongst these countries, and trade with other parts of the world has increased substantially. The ensuing economic growth has led to some significant changes in labour markets and the demand for skilled employees and their deployment within organisations. Focusing on a number of developed and developing Asian economies, this book explores the dynamics of workforce development and skill formation, and considers questions of both skills shortages and skills gaps. The book assesses the current state of training in the selected Asian economies, the weaknesses and strengths of their various training approaches, and what the present state of training means for the future economic development of these economies.

John Benson is Professor and Head of the School of Management at the University of South Australia.

Howard Gospel is a Professor at King’s College, University of London, and the Said Business School, University of Oxford.

Ying Zhu is Professor and Director of the Australia Centre for Asian Business at the University of South Australia.