ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING PRACTICES IN UNITED BANK S.C

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing employee training practices in United Bank S.C with due emphasis on the link of Business strategic Objectives and Training, analyzing training needs, training objectives& design, ,training delivery, evaluation of trainings and the overall effectiveness of training. All the necessary data was gathered from primary and secondary sources such as questionnaires and interview. Interview was made with Learning & Development department head and branch managers. Once the data was gathered analysis was made using the SPSS version 24 software. Simple random sampling technique was used and 180 questionnaires were distributed comprising of clerical staffs that are working in Addis Ababa region only from the randomly selected seventeen branches. Descriptive method of data analysis with the help of tables, frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. The major finding of the study was that there was a poor link with training and the bank’s business strategic objectives. In addition to, findings showed that training need assessments are conducted poorly. The other finding was related with absence of a strong and committed evaluation practice before and after training programs. The overall training practice of United Bank S.C is deemed to be ineffective, this is believed to be due to gaps that are seen in each training practices and these in return decrease the effectiveness of the training program of the bank. It should be noted that the existence of training programs in place by itself doesn’t assure the effectiveness of the training program unless it is supported by organized and structured training process. Therefore the training unit must understand the organization’s strategic direction and design as well as implement creative ways and play a great role by being a change agent. Since each training activities are interrelated they need to be conducted with due care and delivered ontime. Hence, the bank needs to keep up with its strengths and improve its weaknesses by adopting a systematic approach of training practices.