What are the primary challenges that firms typically face when implementing career development programs? How can firms address the additional challenge of dual-career couples?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: The three key challenges are:
• Who will be responsible? Responsibility calls for a balance between employer and employee, as each has a vested interest in the employee's career.
• How much to emphasize? Emphasis requires enough to show it is important so managers will make the effort, but not so much that unrealistic expectations are created.
• How will a diverse workforce's needs be met? Diversity has to address not only the barriers to women and minorities, but issues of two-career couples and the aging workforce.

Dual-career couples are an additional challenge to firms in regards to career development because a career opportunity for one member that demands a geographic move can produce a crisis for both the couple and their companies. Some of the organizational approaches used to deal with the needs of dual-career couples include flexible work schedules, telecommuting, and childcare services.