It is broadly accepted that learning is important in supporting the delivery of change. Furthermore, during times of public sector budget cuts there is a growing interest in innovation and change. However, it is also generally accepted that austere times typically lead to a reduction in training and development budgets – particularly within the public sector. This paper explores the extent to which the assumed link between learning and change is contested during austerity. Fifty-one public sector managers from Wales and Scotland participated in the study, over a period of 13 months, from a wide range of public sector organisations across two devolved parts of the UK. The research explored issues surrounding motivations for learning, expectations of outcomes and perceptions around the drivers of change. It is found that public sector budget cuts are having a direct impact on learning and development opportunities across the UK public sector. Whilst budget cuts may lead to change, this is likely to be piecemeal rather than strategic. In conclusion, this research supports the view that austerity is a barrier to meaningful change in the public sector and not a driver.

中文翻译：

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公共部门背景下的组织学习和变革

人们普遍认为，学习对于支持变革的交付很重要。此外，在公共部门预算削减期间，人们对创新和变革的兴趣日益浓厚。然而，人们普遍认为，紧缩时期通常会导致培训和发展预算的减少——尤其是在公共部门。本文探讨了在紧缩期间学习与变革之间假设的联系受到质疑的程度。来自威尔士和苏格兰的 51 名公共部门经理参与了这项为期 13 个月的研究，他们来自英国两个权力下放地区的各种公共部门组织。该研究探讨了围绕学习动机、结果预期以及对变革驱动因素的看法等问题。研究发现，公共部门预算削减对整个英国公共部门的学习和发展机会产生直接影响。虽然预算削减可能会导致改变，但这可能是零碎的而不是战略性的。总之，这项研究支持这样一种观点，即紧缩是公共部门有意义变革的障碍而不是驱动因素。