THE EFFECT OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIA AIRLINES

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the effect of training and development practice on employees’ performance in the case of Ethiopian Airlines. The study has used explanatory or causal research design. The researcher collected data from both primary and secondary sources. More specifically, primary data were collected through questionnaire and structured interview. In order to select the respondents, the researcher used probability (simple random sampling) and non-probability sampling (judgmental sampling) methods. Accordingly, 98 sample respondents were selected from employees’ and out of which 86 questionnaires were completed, returned and used for further analysis. Moreover, qualitative data were gathered via interview with top level managers. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods to describe the results. Data collected from respondents via structured questionnaire using Likert’s scale ranging from one to five were processed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 and analyzed using descriptive statistics (like frequency, mean, and percentage) and regression analysis. And the data collected through interview were analyzed via thematic analysis. The finding of the study reveals that the major criteria used by EAL to select trainees are Employee’s current position, Employee’s performance and Employees progression scheme for the positions. The major factors that make training programs successful for employees’ performance are conducting training need assessment, a good training design and implementation of the programs. The basic methods in which the organization link training and development and employees’ performance are; employees ability to cooperate with others, employees tendency to find solution in the workplace, and enhanced employees’ commitment. With regard to the criteria (points) to evaluate effectiveness of training programs EAL used performance improvement, enhanced team work efficiency and enhanced sales level/profitability. The basic types of training and development programs offered by EAL are; workplace safety trainings, business development course, manager development course and team Leader development course. Finally, the researcher recommends that it is better to establish a separate department to handle the issue of training and development. It is necessary to have a systematic, & planned performance gap-based training programs in the company.