ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF STAFF TRAINING ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ORGANIZATIONS IN BAMENDA, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Organizations are encountering heightened competition as a result of globalization, technological advancements, and shifts in political and economic landscapes (Evans, Pucik & Barsoux 2021). However, they are compelled to provide training to their employees as a means of equipping them to adapt to these aforementioned changes and thereby improve their productivity. Ignoring the current proof of knowledge expansion in the business corporate world during the past decade is unwise. This expansion has been driven not only by technological advancements or a mix of production factors, but also by increased focus on developing the human resources within organizations. Therefore, it is the obligation of every organization to improve the job performance of its personnel. Implementing training and development is a crucial step that most companies must take to attain this goal. Given the importance of employees as a valuable resource, it is necessary to maximise their contribution to the company's objectives and goals in order to maintain effective performance and boost organizational productivity. Managers must ensure that there is a sufficient number of workers who possess both technical and social skills, and who are capable of advancing their careers in specialized departments or management roles (Afshan, Sobia, Kamran & Nasir 2018). Similarly, an inquiry that often arises is the significance of human resources. Considering that human resources are the intangible assets of the company, employees are a valuable means of obtaining a competitive edge (Houger 2018).  Conceptually, the term ‘training’ is the sole method of enhancing the organization's intangible assets by improving employees' skills and abilities to achieve success and productivity. Additionally, organization must acquire and employ human resources in an efficient manner. Similarly, organization must align their human resource management with the organization's structure to effectively accomplish their goals and objectives. Furthermore, it is crucial for organizations to support their workers in acquiring the requisite skills and enhancing their dedication. The management of human resources in Africa, specifically in Cameroon, poses significant challenges due to the scarcity of suitable candidates for organizations. One possible reason for this is the presence of several issues in the African business context, such as political instability, corruption, bureaucracy, inadequate infrastructure, limited education and purchasing power, as well as prevalent diseases and famine (Kamoche 2022). It is in the same view, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Organizations in the present day ever changing business landscape are consistently under pressure to improve productivity and sustain competitiveness. The level of staff training provided by organisations is a crucial aspect that influences productivity. Although significant amounts are allocated to staff training programmes, the specific influence of these initiatives on organizational efficiency is still a topic of discussion and investigation. However, the current issue is to the necessity of thoroughly grasping the correlation between staff training and organizational productivity. Although training is widely recognised as important, there is a paucity of empirical research that definitively shows how much training programmes actually improve productivity levels in organisations. Furthermore, important inquiries arise concerning the effectiveness of different training techniques, the congruence of training programmes with organizational objectives, and the durability of productivity enhancements over time. Nevertheless, it is necessary to examine possible obstacles that could impede the conversion of training investments into measurable increases in production. 

The current body of research shows conflicting results, with certain studies demonstrating a favourable connection between staff training and productivity, while others propose equivocal or even adverse results (Saks, 2019; Huang & Han, 2018). The presence of these inconsistencies highlights the intricate nature of the relationship and emphasizes the need for further detailed research to clarify the processes by which training affects productivity outcomes. In addition, there have been many research analysing the effect of training on the performance of individual employees, there have been fewer studies that have thoroughly investigated its overall impact on organizational productivity. This knowledge gap necessitates study that embraces a comprehensive viewpoint, taking into account not only the strengthening of individual skills but also how these advancements combine to enhance overall organizational success. According to Batool & Batool (2022), to enhance  organizational productivity, it is for organization crucial to prioritize the function of training and development of employees. This is due to its significant influence on employees' productivity and overall organizational success (Aruna & Anitha, 2018). Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to  assess the impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is  assess the impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine whether there is a significant relationship between staff training programs and productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

2.Identify the training and development strategies implemented to boost productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

3.Evaluate the impact of staff training programs  on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

4.Identify the barriers to effectiveness of staff training programs in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Is there a significant relationship between staff training programs and productivity in organizations based in Bamenda, Cameroon?

What training and development strategies are being utilized to enhance productivity within organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon?

What is the impact of staff training programs  on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon?

What are the barriers hindering the effectiveness of staff training programs in Bamenda, Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho:  There is no significant impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

Ha: There is a significant impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this research will help organizations in Cameroon to allocate resources effectively towards training and development initiatives that can enhance employee satisfaction, leading to improved productivity. Also, the insights gained from this study will contribute to the formulation of policies and strategies aimed at fostering a more conducive work environment in  Cameroonian organizations, ultimately promoting job satisfaction and employee well-being. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is to assess the impact of staff training on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon. Empirically, this study will determine whether there is a significant relationship between staff training programs and productivity of organizations, identify the training and development strategies implemented to boost productivity of organizations, evaluate the impact of staff training programs  on the productivity of organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon and identify the barriers to effectiveness of staff training programs in Bamenda, Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees of some selected organizations in Bamenda, Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Staff training: Monappa & Saiyadain (2018), define training as “the tutoring or learning processes carried out for the major aim of assisting workers of a company to obtain and utilize the skills, knowledge and behavior required by that organization.

Productivity: simply measures the ratio of input or output of employees’ effort.

Employees: an individual employed by an organization and is entitled to salary or wages.

Training: skill enhancing programmes organized for workers. It is one method of improving performance. It is mostly defined as learning and involves that which is basically related to job performance.

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