Training Employees: Read Unit 7 of Your Text
Training Employees: Read Unit 7 of Your Text
Unit Objectives
1. Discuss how to link training programs to organizational needs. 2. Explain how to assess the need for training. 3. Explain how to assess employees readiness for training. 4. Describe how to plan an effective training program. 5. Compare widely used training methods. Summarize how to implement a successful training program. 6. Evaluate the success of a training program. 7. Describe training methods for employee orientation and diversity management
Introduction
New employees come equipped with most of the knowledge and skills needed to start work. Others may require extensive training and development before they are ready to make any contribution to the organisation Training: an organizations planned efforts to help employees acquire job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors, with the goal of applying these on the job. Training can benefit the organization when it is linked to organizational needs and when it motivates employees.
Importance of Training
Increases employees knowledge of foreign competitors and cultures. Provides the skills required to work with new technology. Helps employees understand how to work effectively in teams. Ensures that the companys culture emphasises innovation, creativity and learning. Ensures employment security by providing new ways for employees to contribute to the company. Prepares employees to accept each other and work more effectively together, particularly in a diverse workforce.
Instructional Design
An effective training program is designed to teach skills and behaviors that will help the organization achieve its goals. HR professionals approach training through a model called the instructional design. Instructional design: a process of systematically developing training to meet specified needs This systematic approach needs to be followed in a chronological way so that all the pieces of training jigsaw fit together .
Organization Analysis
Organization analysis: a process for determining the appropriateness of training by evaluating the characteristics of the organization. The organization analysis looks at training needs in the light of:
the organizations strategy, resources available for training, and managements support for training activities. Climate for training
Person Analysis
Person analysis helps to identify who needs training. Person analysis involves: Determining whether performance deficiencies result from a lack of knowledge, skill or ability (a training issue) or from a motivational or work-design problem Identifying who needs training Determining employees readiness for training.
Task Analysis
Identifying the important tasks and knowledge, skills and behaviours that need to be emphasised in training, in order for employees to complete their tasks. Four steps: 1. Select the job to be analysed. 2. Develop a preliminary list of tasks performed on the job. 3. Validate or confirm the preliminary list of tasks. 4. Once the tasks are confirmed, identify the knowledge, skills or abilities necessary to successfully perform each task.
A positive work environment encourages learning and avoids interfering with training.
They include measurable performance standards. They identify the resources needed to carry out the desired performance or outcome.
Training methods
Classroom Instruction Action Learning Audiovisual Training
Team Training
ComputerBased Training
Training Methods
Experiential Programs On-the-Job Training
Behavior Modeling
Business Games & Case Studies
Simulations
Current applications of computer-based training can extend its benefits E-learning: involves receiving training via the Internet or the organizations intranet. E-learning uses electronic networks for delivering and sharing information, and it offers tools and information for helping trainees improve performance ( e.g. USP law courses) Training involves links to other online information resources.
Current applications of computer-based training can extend its benefits: Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS): provide access to skills training, information, and expert advice when a problem occurs on the job e.g. Microsoft As employees need to learn new skills, they can use the EPSS, which gives them access to the particular information they need.
e.g., detailed instructions on how to perform an unfamiliar task.
One of the most important features of organizations today is teamwork. Experiential programs include team-building exercises like wall climbing and rafting to help build trust and cooperation among employees.