Training
Training
TRAINING
Training constitutes a basic concept in human resource development. It is concerned with
developing a particular skill to a desired standard by instruction and practice. Training is
more present-day oriented; it focuses on individuals’ current jobs, enhancing those specific
skills and abilities needed to immediately perform their jobs.
The employees themselves can provide valuable information on the training they need.
They know what they need/want to make them better at their jobs. Stated that training
objectives will help employers, communicate what they want their employees to do, to do
better. Here are some of the benefits that the employee can get from training.
1. Theory of Reinforcement
This theory emphasizes on the learning behavior of a person and suggests that the learner
will repeat that behavior which is attached with a positive outcome or result. Skinner an
economist of behaviorist school of thought proposed the theory of reinforcement and
suggested that the training and development programs should be aligned with the
organizational objectives and a positive outcome should be expected with such training
and development programs. Further elaborating this concept suggested in reinforcement
theory, it can be argued that there are several techniques available in human resource
practices which can be associated with the training and development programs and the
required suggestion by this theory can be fulfilled. Different types of rewards in the form
of bonuses, salary raises, promotion and awarding of certificate after the training program
can be associated with the training and development activities and these rewards will
definitely generate a positive outcome. If this is done by an organization then according to
the Skinner’s theory of reinforcement the trainer i.e. the employee will show more interest
in the training and development programs held by the organization.
The theory presented by Gagne emphasized on learning of intellectual skills. These are
such skills which are found rare among the persons. He suggested by different learning
types in his theory and each learning type contains some external and internal conditions.
The five categories of learning which Gagne defined in his theory include intellectual
skills, verbal information, attitudes, cognitive strategies and motor skills.
Social theory presents a new view of learning i.e. social. According to the presenter of this
theory, Albert Bandura, direct reinforcement cannot address all types of learning. Here by
direct enforcement means the training and development programs that is organized to
enhance the skills.
According to this theory such programs are not address all learning types as there are some
social elements which cannot be taught. Those elements are learned by the leaner from
his/her surroundings. Such type of learning is called observational learning and this
learning is associated with the understanding of different human behaviors. The first type
of learning defined in this theory is through observation. In an organization the
environment and the surroundings plays a very important role. The environment should be
very professional and the surroundings should be in such a way that the people (employees)
learn from them. This theory also suggests that it is not necessary that the behavior is
changed after learning something. It is expected that a person’s behavior changes after
learning something, but it is not in all cases. Furthermore, the theory also explains about
the mental states which play a vital role in learning process. If the mental status of the
person is negative regarding any learning activity then he will not take part in that learning
process and even if he is forced to do so, he will not gain any positivity from that process.
In organizational training programs the mental state can be made positive regarding the
training and development programs by associating the rewards and benefits with such
programs which will motivate the employees and help to build a positive mental state. The
case company also follow this theory as it allows the employees to learn from the
surrounding and provides an environment where they can learn from their
supervisors/managers and coworkers.
BENEFITS OF TRAINING
3. Addressing weaknesses
Most employees will have some weaknesses in their workplace skills. A training program
allows you to strengthen those skills that each employee needs to improve. A development
program brings all employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and
knowledge. This helps reduce any weak links within the company who rely heavily on
others to complete basic work tasks.
4. Consistency
All employees need to be aware of the expectations and procedures within the company.
Increased efficiencies in processes results in financial gain for the company.
Training can be of any kind relevant to the work or responsibilities of the individual, and can be
delivered by any appropriate method.
For example:
* On-the-job learning
* Mentoring schemes
* In-house training
* Individual study
TRAINING PROCESS
The Training Process comprises of a series of steps that needs to be followed systematically to
have an efficient training program. The Training is a systematic activity performed to modify the
skills, attitudes and the behavior of an employee to perform a particular job
1. Needs assessment
The need for training could be identified through a diagnosis of present and future
challenges and through a gap between the employee’s actual performance and the standard
performance. The needs assessment can be studied from two perspectives: Individual and
group. The individual training is designed to enhance the individual’s efficiency when not
performing adequately. And whereas the group training is intended to inculcate the new
changes in the employees due to a change in the organization’s strategy.
Orientation
New employee orientation covers the activities involved in introducing a new employee to
the organization and to the individuals in his or her work unit, it expands on information
received during the recruitment and selection stages and helps reduce the initial anxiety
employees usually feel when beginning a new job.
Roles in Orientation
1. CEO
The CEO’s first responsibility is to welcome new employees, aboard and talk to them about
what a good job choice they made. The CEO is in a position to inspire new employees by
talking about what is it like to work for the organization. In addition, the CEO can begin to
discuss what really matters in the company – an indoctrination to the organization’s culture.
2. HRM
HRM should instruct the new employee when to report to work. They must be also
prepared to handle some of the more routine needs of these individuals.
Their second concern involves its role as a participant in the process. HRM must spend
some orientation time addressing what assistance it can offer to employees in the future.
Onboarding Activities
Also called as socialization.
When talking about this, we are talking about the process of adaptation where all
employees undergo. For instance, when you get a new job, you adapt to a new environment
that includes different work activities, new boss, a different and most likely diverse group
of co-workers, and probably a unique set of standards for what constitutes successful
performance.
Committee Assignment
this can allow the employee to share in decision making, to learn by watching others, and
to investigate specific organizational problems.
2. Off-The-Job Training
Lecture Courses and Seminars
Traditional forms of instruction revolve around formal lecture courses and seminars. These
help individuals acquire knowledge and develop their conceptual and analytical abilities.
Technology is allowing for significant improvements in the training field. Online learning
allows for employees to view a lecture or presentation live or view streaming video at any
time or place.
Simulations
Probably more popular for employee development. It is an any artificial environment that
attempts to closely mirror an actual condition.
The advantages of simulation exercises are the opportunities to “create an environment”
similar to real situations managers face, without high costs for poor outcomes.
Adventure Training
A trend in employee development has been the use of adventure training. The primary
focus of such training is to teach trainees the importance of working together, or coming
together as a team.
This training typically involves some major emotional and physical challenge.
References:
https://2020projectmanagement.com/resources/project-management-training-and-
qualifications/the-importance-of-training-and-development-in-the-workplace
https://businessjargons.com/training-process.html
https://www.mbaknol.com/human-resource-management/four-major-theories-of-training-and-
development/