An approach based on on-the-job training
Honda's approach to personnel education is based on on-the-job training: building specialized skills and professional capabilities through direct experience. Honda has established on-the-job training programs for each job description, setting qualitative and quantitative targets for the knowledge and skills to be acquired. These programs provide with an opportunity for associates to acquire specialized skills and managerial capabilities while helping supervisors assess and foster the aptitude of the associates they manage. To supplement these on-the-job training programs, Honda also offers off-the-job training designed to provide associates an opportunity to enhance their careers by developing new specialized skills or management capabilities. To support associates who wish to take the initiative to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, and cultivate themselves in order to fully realize their own potential, Honda offers opportunities for language learning, distance education, and inter-industry exchanges.
Principal off-the-job training programs
At Honda, we match a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training to our associates' aptitudes and aspirations in an effort to help them improve their abilities. Our off-the-job training program is divided into three main areas, with separate training programs for each level.
- Self-improvement training (career development)
- Work performance training (skill development)
- Management leadership training (management training)
Respecting associates' opinions and independence
Honda fosters each associate's drive and independence, and the company has put in place a number of systems to harness those capabilities to contribute to its ongoing reorganization and growth.
Associate development and evaluation through two-way communication
Reflecting Honda's emphasis on two-way communication with supervisors in associate development and evaluation, all associates have at least three interviews with their supervisors each year. During the first interview in April, associates describe the future in their own words (including aspirations, personal objectives, etc.) and clarify their vision for the future and their direction going forward through their supervisor's advice. They then work out their individual role based on the organization's business goals for the fiscal year in question.
During interviews in June and December, supervisors evaluate associate performance during the preceding six months, explain the reasoning behind their judgments, and share an assessment of each associate's strengths and weaknesses. By facilitating a discussion of subjects such as future objectives and career directions, the interviews pave the way for associates' skill improvement.
NH Circle
In NH Circle activities, associates take the initiative to get together to discover ways to improve their work, their workplace and their company. The abbreviation "NH" stands for "Now, Next and New Honda." It's all about taking new steps now toward creating the next great Honda improvement.
Based on the principle of respect for the individual, and cherishing independence, fairness and trust, the activity seeks to create dynamic, forward-looking workplaces where individuality is respected; tap the unlimited potential of each and every associate by encouraging them to make the most of their abilities; and contribute to the overall health of the company and its continued development. Together with Regional Contests that are held in six regions worldwide, a World Convention featuring circles selected from each of the Regional Contests provides a venue for participants to showcase the results of their activities, raise mutual awareness, and exchange views and ideas. The scope of the program's activities has expanded each year since its launch in 1973. During FY2012, a total of 129,790 associates and employees participated in 17,918 circles in 30 countries worldwide, including at suppliers, affiliates, and dealers.
Associates presented the results of their activities in 2011 at a companywide meeting held at the Headquarters Aoyama Building. The 12 circles that had won their district contests participated in the event, which was scaled back due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2012, we plan to hold the World Convention at North American subsidiary Honda of America Manufacturing.
An NH circle's presentation
Improvement suggestion system
Honda has a system for encouraging all associates to make proposals as to how the company's operations could be improved, whether in large ways or small. Launched in 1953, this initiative is one way Honda seeks to encourage a spirit of independence and innovation, fostering the growth and refinement of skills and capabilities. Each year, some 170,000 suggestions are received, of which about 90% are implemented.
During FY2012, 189,786 improvement suggestions were received from Honda worksites. Of these, eight proposals receiving the President's Award and three proposals receiving the Special Award as part of the environmental campaign were announced at the Improvement Suggestion No. 1 Convention, which was held at the Aoyama Headquarters building.
Improvement Suggestion No. 1 Convention
