ABSTRACT
Self Managed Learning (SML) was introduced into Ericsson Limited (ETL) by a number of line managers in 1998 and was seen to compliment activities aimed at achieving a corporate objective of 'Lifelong learning for our proactive employees'. Ericsson's early SML programme participants included line managers, software designers and testers, project managers and administrators. The approach has subsequently been adopted by the Human Resources department and is now an integral part of the company's two-year graduate induction. It is also planned that SML will be included in the ETL management leadership programmes. Ericsson has a strong and long-established culture. The company quotes its guiding values as professionalism, respect and perseverance. Internally there is firm belief that the organization's sustained success is due to this strong culture. Ericsson has always invested heavily in technical development and in recent years its research and development budget has exceeded 20 per cent of sales.
