Quality management and environmental management and safety management— what they have in common, future demands on SMEs, possibilities of integrated training

Abstract

In this paper, integrated management systems and the possibilities of integrated training are looked at through the learning organisation framework. On the basis of the idea of learning organisation we argue that particularly in SMEs it is essential to integrate workplace learning and work together. It gives an opportunity to change organisational culture, courses of action, values and perceptions while working. In SMEs it is important to get all personnel to accept the change. It should be easier than in big companies, because everybody knows the functions and processes of the company. The approach is action oriented, based on the bottom-up principle. Learning happens mostly by doing everyday work.