Effect of Training and Development on Employee Performance at Kakamega County General Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Training and development of employees is becoming an optimal solution to complex business challenges, and the management of human resources is taking central role in modern management. Through the process of employee training and development, the management of human resources provides constant knowledge innovation, creates conditions for mutual knowledge and experience exchange and proactive behavior, in this way contributing to competitive advantage and satisfaction of all participants in business procedures. This study was guided by one research objective which was to find out the effect of training and development on employee performance among employees at the County General hospital, Kakamega. The study sampled 93 of the employees of the targeted population of 1250 employees. Data was collected from 62 employees constituting 66.7% of the targeted employees. A cross sectional descriptive survey was used as a research design. The population of study was 93 employees currently employed at the county General hospital. Simple stratified random and convenience sampling was used to collect the data from the different employees. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaires and was analyzed using percentages and frequencies. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used for correlation analysis while simple linear regression model was used for regression. Findings of the study revealed most employees had undergone training at least once in a year since they joined the institution. This has been seen to improve the individual’s job performance. Most respondents agreed that training has improved performance, job integrity and loyalty not forgetting the improved communication as a result of training. The ability of an employee to feel part of an institution has been through empowering that come in the form of training and development. Indeed training and development has always brought positive impact on job performance. This is evident on the 85.5% of the respondents who agree that their performance has been a result of training and development. Many people and employees when inducted not only gain hands on experience but also gain control of their destiny and performance in their places of work. The study found out that training and development positively and significantly relate to employees performance. Through training and development, people are able to adapt to changes in their areas of work. Individuals gain skill and confidence to tackle unexpected events. This plays a major role in building morale and productivity of any institution. Confidence expands an individuals’ ability to handle even bigger issues and problems from any angle with a view to provide solution. The health sector especially in Kenya rural needs broad minds. This is as a result of the vast demographical and geographical distribution of the country. Man power in the sector has always been on the low with patients being on the receiving ends since time memorial. It is from these calumnious situations that require staff from the health sector to be equipped with banquet of knowledge. The study also sought the areas requiring specialized trainings. Most of them cover sections of emerging trends in the health sector. From areas of bio safety to areas of technology, from areas data management to administrative areas. Induction training was largely suggested by the respondents and apart from the specialized trainings; employees need to be inducted once employed before they can delve in service delivery.