ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF TRAINING PROGRAMS ON WORKER PERFORMANCE: FRONTLINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY ACTION
The effectiveness of training programs on the performance of the frontline workers in the public institutions selected in Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria was evaluated. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with mixed elements; the population of the study is of about 1,450 workers. A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 300 respondents, based on Taro Yamane's formula. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which were later analyzed using descriptive statistics (means), Pearson correlation and thematic analysis (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79). The results indicated that there are problems in the training programs in terms of needs assessment, irregular training delivery, and poor funding (Aggregate mean = 2.68). They had moderate positive effects on knowledge, skills, motivation and productivity (aggregate mean = 3.37) when implemented. The overall effectiveness was, however, limited by poor budgetary appropriation (aggregate mean = 3.69) and poor monitoring (aggregate mean = 3.69). The study finds that gaps in realization have a definite negative impact on the contribution of training to worker performance. It is recommended that the government should institutionalize needs-based training, boost funding, improve monitoring systems, update curricula and governments should collaborate to achieve better policy outcomes and a better way of delivering public services in Nigeria.
Keywords: training programs, worker performance, public sector, policy implementation, employee development, Nigeria