| Basis of Difference | Training | Development |
| Nature | Training is mainly concerned with the improvement of practical, technical and mechanical skills of the trainees. | Development is concerned with enhancing theoretical and conceptual knowledge of managers. |
| Emphasis | Training emphasises on the proficiency and behaviour of the employees that may be required for a specific job. | Development programme emphasises on the enrichment of knowledge of the learners regarding those functions which are of non-technical nature. It also improves the understanding of the employees. |
| Relevance | Training programmes are more relevant and beneficial for the non-managerial staff. | The development process is more relevant for the higher authorities such as managers and supervisors. |
| Focus | Training focuses on preparing the learners for current job opportunities. | Development focuses on preparing the trainees for upcoming job opportunities. |
| Goals | The main goal of training agenda is to attain short period objectives. | Development processes aim at achieving growth and retaining it for a longer duration of time. |
| Orientation | The training plans are occupational by nature and are mainly job-oriented. | The development process is personnel-oriented as it inspires the managers and executives to become more inventive, enthusiastic and loyal towards the organisation. |
| Process | Training is conducted for a particular duration and thus, is a short-term process. | Development is a long-term process that continues for the entire lifetime of an individual in one way or the other. |
| Growth Opportunity | In training methods, the growth mainly occurs in the particular skills of the trainees. | Development programmes focus on the overall growth of the personnel. |
| Motivation | Under training programmes, the motivation is given by the external factors such as organisation and the trainer. | In development programmes, the growth of an employee completely depends upon the internal motivation of the learner. |
| Voluntary/ Imposed | Training is not voluntary but obligatory for the employees to fulfil the standards of the company. | Development programme provided for management is voluntary in nature and cannot be forced on the higher level employees. |
| Relationship with Career Development | The correlation between the learning process and career advancement is uncertain to the employees. | The employees have clear understanding about the association between the individual development and career advancement of the individual. |