The Effect Of Training On Employee Performance At Sony Sugar Company, Ny Anza, Kenya

ABSTRACT The general problem is that factors influencing employee performance at Sony sugar are diverse but all revolve under one theme; lack of sufficient training and despite the rationale for effective training of employees at Sony sugar and the emphasis laid by the management, some employees still face difficulties in carrying out their daily routines thereby negatively impacting on their performance. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of training on employee performance at Sony Sugar Company. The research design used in this study was cross sectional-survey and case study which were both in quantitative and qualitative form. Therefore the researcher used both the primary and secondary data in this case. Mainly questionnaires and observation were used as data collection tools in the study. A sample size of 160 respondents were taken, however only 140 were able to deliver back the questionnaires .and the 140 questionnaires were not satisfactolily answered as most of the opinion questions were left hanging. Basing on the findings, the study found out that Sony sugar has an active training department and conducts training need assessment before conducting training, this seemed to influence employee perfo1mance. It was also revealed that on-the-job training techniques were preferred to off-the-job training techniques with job rotation being rated highest. The study also revealed that Return On Investment (ROI) is something that Sony Sugar does not take seriously, it is therefore never conducted. Finally, it was also revealed that performance appraisal is acknowledged but is not effectively performed. The study concluded that training need assessment is directly and indirectly connected to employee performance. Training had to be performed through some method; on-the-job methods were prefen-ed. It was also concluded that Sony is not conversant with Return On Investment and that performance appraisal affects employee performance. Basing on the conclusions, it was recommended that training programs should be designed to address specific needs; the organization should recognize that both on-the-job and off-the-job techniques are important at any particular time depending on objectives to be achieved. The management of Sony Sugar should also realize that training should achieve its needs, this can be determined through establishing ROI of the training. The study finally recommended that employee perfonnance appraisal should be frequently conducted.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

DECLARATION ......................................................................................... ii 

APPROVAL .............................................................................................. iii 

DEDICATION ........................................................................................... .iv 

AKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................. v 

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................ viii 

LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................... x 

LIST OF ACRONYMS .................................................................................. xi 

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................... xii 

CHAPTERONE ........................................................................................... l 

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................... 1 

1.1 Background to the study ..................................................................... 1 

1.2 Statement of the problem ..................................................................... 4 

1.3 Objectives of the study ...................................................................... 4 

1.3.1 General objectives ......................................................................... 4 

1.3.2 Specific objectives ........................................................................ 4 

1.4 Research questions ........................................................................... 4 

1.5 Scope of the study ............................................................................ 5 

1.6 Significance of the study ..................................................................... 5 

1.7 Conceptual framework ........................................................................ 6 

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................... 7 

2.0 Introduction ................................................................................... 7 

2.1 The effects of Training Needs Analysis on employee performance .................. 7 

2.2 Imp01iance of on-the-job and off-the-job training techniques on employee 

Performance ................................................................................. 9 

2.3 Impact of the Return On Investment on employee performance ..................... 14 

2.3.1 Determining Return On Investment ..................................................... 16 

2.4 The effects of performance appraisal on employee performance ..................... 17 

vi 

CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................ 20 

3. 0 Introduction .................................................................................... 20 

3.1 Research design ............................................................................... 20 

3.2 Research site ................................................................................... 20 

3.3 Study population ............................................................................... 20 

3.4 Sample size, selection and techniques ..................................................... 21 

3.4.1 Presentation ofrespondents ............................................................... 21 

3.5 Research instrument .......................................................................... 21 

3.5.1 Questionnaires ................................................................................ 21 

3.5.2 Interview .................................................................................... 22 

3.5.3 Observation .................................................................................. 22 

3.6 Data analysis and processing ................................................................ 22 

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................... 23 

4.0 Introduction ..................................................................................... 23 

4.1 Effects of training needs assessment on employee performance at Sony Sugar. ...... 25 

4.2 Importance of on-the-job and off-the-job training techniques on employee performance at 

Sony Sugar Company .............................................................................. 29 

4.3 The impact of Return On Investment on employee performance ........................ 32 

4.4 The effects of employee performance appraisal on employee performance ............ 33 

CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................. 37 

5.0 Introduction ...................................................................................... 37 

5 .1 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 3 7 

5.2 Conclusions ...................................................................................... 38 

5.3 Recommendations .............................................................................. 39 

REFFERENCE ............................................................................................... 41 

APPENDIX: QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE STUDY .............................................. ..44