Effect of training and development on corporate performance of selected touring companies in Malindi sub-county, Kilifi county.

Abstract

Tourism is a significant aspect of the world economy, and is heavily influenced by climatic conditions, economic activities, human behavior, and seasonal fluctuations. Tourism is considered one of the most significant industries in Malindi Sub-County in Kilifi County. Globalization and liberalization are pushing organizations into steep competition, requiring high skills and attitudes that employees may not have. Thus, a framework for aiding employees in developing their own organizational and personal skills, knowledge, abilities and attitudes is provided through training and development. The general objective of the study was to examine effect of training and development on corporate performance of touring sub-sector in Kenya. Specifically, the study analyses effect of staff training, staff development, training programs and extent learning curve has on corporate performance of touring sub-sector. The research anchors on reinforcement theory, social learning theory, learning type theory and experiential learning theory. This research adopted a descriptive research design as a frame of reference. The overall population composed of employees of touring companies registered with the Tourism Regulatory Authority as at August 2020. The researcher employed survey method. The researcher employed a liker scaled questionnaire with a range of 1 to 5, which was administered to the employees of 8 chosen tour operators. The mean, standard deviation, and analyzed data were then displayed in tables, graphs, and charts. The 8 selected touring companies were selected through purposive sampling techniques. To establish validity and reliability of research tool pilot study was carried and reliability of the tool tested using Cronbach alpha, and the all variables achieved a value greater than 0.7. Validity was tested using Human Resource experts and Researcher’s supervisors. Ms Excel and Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software version 25 was used to analyze collected data. Results showed relationship between corporate performance and training program as positive and statistically significant (r = .568; p = .000; N=126). However, the relationships between corporate performance and learning curve (r = .294; p = .001; N=124) as well as Staff development (r = .333; p = .000; N=111). Staff training were positively and significantly correlated to overall corporate performance (r = .341; p = .000; N=127).The study concludes that results presented implied that training program had strong effect on corporate performance since there is some sort of training employees of touring companies receive even if there is no specific time in some organization. The research study recommends that there should be regular and specific time for training.