ZIMSEC O Level Business Studies Notes: Managing Human Resources: Human Resources Management: Training: Introduction

  • Is an organized activity aimed at imparting information and/or instructions to improve the recipient’s performance or to help him or her attain a required level of knowledge or skill
  • Training and development are the official and ongoing educational activities within an organization designed to enhance the fulfillment and performance of employees.
  • Training and development programs offered by a business might include a variety of educational techniques and programs that can be attended on a compulsory or voluntary basis by staff
  • Training brings benefits to both the individual and the the organisation which employs them
  • Training can take place on the job or off the job

Benefits of training and development to the individual

  • Acquiring new skills and knowledge
  • Increased employment prospects
  • Improved promotion prospects
  • Increased ability to cope with job pressures resulting in less stress
  • Increased job satisfaction

Benefits of training and development to the organisation

  • Increased efficiency and productivity
  • Reduction in costs
  • Reduction in supervisory problems and grievances
  • Improved workplace safety and reduction in accidents
  • Improved product quality
  • Improved motivation and morale among employees
  • Encourages a culture of flexibility
  • Reduces resistance to change
  • Creates a versatile workforce and eases skills shortages
  • Increased job satisfaction
  • Reduces employee turnover and improves retention of workers
  • Reduces liability e.g. risk of sexual harassment is reduced thus reducing the likelihood of lawsuits arsing from claims of harassment
  • Increased innovation
  • Increased capacity

Possible drawbacks of training

  • There is very little downside to training but some drawbacks of training include:
  • The cost of the training process
  • Downtime during the training process especially if training is off the job
  • May not be effective

 

Notes about on the job training can be found here

Notes about off the job training can be found here

To access more topics go to the O Level Business Notes