Dear all,
On one of the WA groups of HRs, Administrator of the groups, Mr Rajaram Thorve, has raised the above topic for discussion. I have given replies to the questions. These are as below:
+++++
Dear Mr Rajaram Thorve,
My reply is as below:
1. Let us first understand the meaning of the word certification. Certification is nothing but validation of the level of knowledge that the student has acquired. To acquire a certification, one has to do some education course. Knowledge acquired through the education course give us a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world;
2. In the education course, a theory is taught. These theories are not developed in vacuum. Researchers go to the field, gather data and later do the analysis. This analysis helps them in developing theory. This theory is nothing but a tentative insight into the natural world. The student may not get chance to verify the concept but it helps in understanding an unknown world. Theoretical knowledge helps in avoidance of the repetition of the mistakes committed in the past. Benefit of learning theory is that one does not have to learn through trial and error.
3. Nevertheless, just acquiring certification or learning theory is not sufficient. The knowledge gained has to be applied also.
4. Though the question does not ask directly, indirectly it asks should we hire “experienced” persons or “qualified” ones? But then in a country like India, experience is euphemism for the length of one’s career span. After acquiring knowledge, when one applies it, there are successes and failures. Therefore, ability to distinguish between what could succeed or fail should be called as experience. But then Indians have difference belief altogether!
5. Notwithstanding, what is written above, the education gives edge over non-education. Consider the following examples:
a) A person who has studied Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode of Instrument will certainly handle workplace conflict in better way than the one who does not know this model.
b) A Purchase Manager, who does not have degree in Supply Chain Management (SCM) will never understand the concept of the material movement across the chain. He will never understand various costs associated with the business. Rather he will concentrate on just squeezing his suppliers while buying material from them.
c) Who are better suited to work in R & D department? Do we employ workers because they have worked long time on some machine or Engineers?
d) Humanity has been using horse-cart or bullock-cart since time immemorial. But then why the humanity waited till nineteenth century to invent motor car? Why it was not done earlier notwithstanding having experience of thousands of years of riding on horse-cart or bullock-cart?
e) Humans learnt to do agricultural activities about 10,000 years ago but the tractor was developed in 20th century. Why it took almost 12,000 years to develop the tractor? Where was the experience of thousands of years?
f) In India, a section of society claims that doing a business is in their DNA. In that case, India should have many companies in Fortune-500 list. But then how many companies do you find in this list? Just seven! Why this contradiction though business is in their DNA?
Final comments: - The US economy grew phenomenally because US entrepreneurs attracted educated youths from the world over. These entrepreneurs used outsiders’ education and talent to give something new to the world. They always accrued benefits of investing in talent. In contrast, Indian businesspersons never used domestic talent. India is paying hefty price for this false belief on the concept of “experience”.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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8219On one of the WA groups of HRs, Administrator of the groups, Mr Rajaram Thorve, has raised the above topic for discussion. I have given replies to the questions. These are as below:
+++++
Dear Mr Rajaram Thorve,
My reply is as below:
1. Let us first understand the meaning of the word certification. Certification is nothing but validation of the level of knowledge that the student has acquired. To acquire a certification, one has to do some education course. Knowledge acquired through the education course give us a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world;
2. In the education course, a theory is taught. These theories are not developed in vacuum. Researchers go to the field, gather data and later do the analysis. This analysis helps them in developing theory. This theory is nothing but a tentative insight into the natural world. The student may not get chance to verify the concept but it helps in understanding an unknown world. Theoretical knowledge helps in avoidance of the repetition of the mistakes committed in the past. Benefit of learning theory is that one does not have to learn through trial and error.
3. Nevertheless, just acquiring certification or learning theory is not sufficient. The knowledge gained has to be applied also.
4. Though the question does not ask directly, indirectly it asks should we hire “experienced” persons or “qualified” ones? But then in a country like India, experience is euphemism for the length of one’s career span. After acquiring knowledge, when one applies it, there are successes and failures. Therefore, ability to distinguish between what could succeed or fail should be called as experience. But then Indians have difference belief altogether!
5. Notwithstanding, what is written above, the education gives edge over non-education. Consider the following examples:
a) A person who has studied Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode of Instrument will certainly handle workplace conflict in better way than the one who does not know this model.
b) A Purchase Manager, who does not have degree in Supply Chain Management (SCM) will never understand the concept of the material movement across the chain. He will never understand various costs associated with the business. Rather he will concentrate on just squeezing his suppliers while buying material from them.
c) Who are better suited to work in R & D department? Do we employ workers because they have worked long time on some machine or Engineers?
d) Humanity has been using horse-cart or bullock-cart since time immemorial. But then why the humanity waited till nineteenth century to invent motor car? Why it was not done earlier notwithstanding having experience of thousands of years of riding on horse-cart or bullock-cart?
e) Humans learnt to do agricultural activities about 10,000 years ago but the tractor was developed in 20th century. Why it took almost 12,000 years to develop the tractor? Where was the experience of thousands of years?
f) In India, a section of society claims that doing a business is in their DNA. In that case, India should have many companies in Fortune-500 list. But then how many companies do you find in this list? Just seven! Why this contradiction though business is in their DNA?
Final comments: - The US economy grew phenomenally because US entrepreneurs attracted educated youths from the world over. These entrepreneurs used outsiders’ education and talent to give something new to the world. They always accrued benefits of investing in talent. In contrast, Indian businesspersons never used domestic talent. India is paying hefty price for this false belief on the concept of “experience”.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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The verification of knowledge and skills acquired through experience is a cumbersome process, whereas certain presumptions can be easily drawn based on the educational qualifications. There is always a distinction made between degree holders and diploma holders. With experience, diploma holders may gain sound technical knowledge, but the comprehensive systematic knowledge and all-round capability that a degree holder acquires are still unmatched. So, the preference for the degree holder is explained.
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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When a person completes a degree or higher thorough study and independent testing of knowledge through exams, he acquires a strong theoretical basis and understanding of the subject. With theory, when he works, he gains experience. The degree hopefully will guide the person to gain the right experience and develop correct working habits, procedures, and steps based on understanding. Experience, on the other hand, is gained through practical work on the ground, with or without a theoretical backing. Having a good supervisor who guides you well can enrich your experience and make you proficient in this vocation. However, a disadvantage arises when your practical work is not based on full knowledge and correct practices. In such cases, your experience may hinder your development and growth.
Pros of experience:
Experiences enable individuals to apply their knowledge rather than just possessing it. Experiences help in developing skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills, which have a limited scope within a degree.
Cons:
Experience is acquired over years of working, but sometimes a person without a degree may perform the work without a full understanding of the entire system and may encounter challenges if something beyond their experience arises.
In summary, this debate is endless and highly dependent on the job and the specific candidate.
From India, Pune
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Pros of experience:
Experiences enable individuals to apply their knowledge rather than just possessing it. Experiences help in developing skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills, which have a limited scope within a degree.
Cons:
Experience is acquired over years of working, but sometimes a person without a degree may perform the work without a full understanding of the entire system and may encounter challenges if something beyond their experience arises.
In summary, this debate is endless and highly dependent on the job and the specific candidate.
From India, Pune
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Dear colleagues,
The belief that experience holds more value than certification is a misconception perpetuated by our current educational system in India. When learners are provided with opportunities for experiential learning, where they can gain insights by applying the principles and laws of nature through simulation methods repeatedly, their learning becomes solid as a rock. As a result, the debate on whether experience outweighs certification will naturally diminish.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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The belief that experience holds more value than certification is a misconception perpetuated by our current educational system in India. When learners are provided with opportunities for experiential learning, where they can gain insights by applying the principles and laws of nature through simulation methods repeatedly, their learning becomes solid as a rock. As a result, the debate on whether experience outweighs certification will naturally diminish.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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Just a few days ago, we had a discussion on the small topic of ladies learning to drive two-wheelers. The topic came up when we read in the newspaper about a vehicle skidding driven by a lady on the main road resulting in her death. What I mean to say here is that simply learning to drive and then heading straight onto the road without understanding safety and the environment will sometimes result in accidents like the one mentioned above. In this case, practical knowledge was there but there was a lack of theoretical aspects.
In a second incident, I found a young college-going engineering student repairing her scooter by the side of the road as her scooter had broken down midway to her destination. I inquired to help her, but she said, "Thank you, uncle. I am studying engineering in automobile, and the problem is solved, I am just repairing it." I was happy to see how her in-depth knowledge gave her the confidence and courage to diagnose and repair her bike without much trouble. She is a certified engineer today.
Theoretical and conceptual learning is important, and hence certification. Learning, however, is never a waste, and authentic learning is like a gem in the crown.
From India, Vadodara
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In a second incident, I found a young college-going engineering student repairing her scooter by the side of the road as her scooter had broken down midway to her destination. I inquired to help her, but she said, "Thank you, uncle. I am studying engineering in automobile, and the problem is solved, I am just repairing it." I was happy to see how her in-depth knowledge gave her the confidence and courage to diagnose and repair her bike without much trouble. She is a certified engineer today.
Theoretical and conceptual learning is important, and hence certification. Learning, however, is never a waste, and authentic learning is like a gem in the crown.
From India, Vadodara
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Why is less importance given to knowledge and skills gained through experience than knowledge and skills acquired through certification?
The knowledge and skills acquired through certification are always considered superior to those gained through experience. The knowledge and skills obtained through a course are comprehensive, and the certificate is awarded after the learner completes a test.
In contrast, knowledge and skills gained through experience are limited to exposure only, lacking completeness. One cannot become an engineer, doctor, lawyer, chartered accountant, or a professional in any other field solely through experience.
From India, Mumbai
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The knowledge and skills acquired through certification are always considered superior to those gained through experience. The knowledge and skills obtained through a course are comprehensive, and the certificate is awarded after the learner completes a test.
In contrast, knowledge and skills gained through experience are limited to exposure only, lacking completeness. One cannot become an engineer, doctor, lawyer, chartered accountant, or a professional in any other field solely through experience.
From India, Mumbai
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