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What Is the Connection between Training and Job Performance?

M. Kayo
M. Kayo

The connection between training and job performance can be seen in the development of knowledge competencies. Knowledge competencies help companies organize their workforce, determine what types of jobs are needed, and what type of employees will best accomplish the tasks. These knowledge competencies identify the measurable skills, knowledge, abilities, and behaviors necessary for successful performance in a specific job. They also allow managers and supervisors to assess and select the most appropriate training for employees. The link between training and job performance is also apparent in data that shows a connection between poor performing employees who lack proper training and misconduct or unacceptable behavior on the job.

One of the most important factors in the overall effectiveness of job training is the quality, type, and employee acceptance of that training. The mere existence of a training program does not mean that employees are being trained properly. Proper job training must be directed towards those employees that are most trainable. This may be accomplished through training evaluation to screen employees and select the more trainable candidates who will get the most benefit from training and ensure better job performance long term.

The connection between training and job performance often lies in a company's willingness to train people.
The connection between training and job performance often lies in a company's willingness to train people.

The effectiveness of specific training will likely be made apparent when employees receive their annual performance evaluations. This may also be the best time to encourage certain employees to attend training sessions. An employee who has more training is likely to perform better and to have more value to the organization. Motivating employees to attend or pursue additional job training may be a challenge, and some employees may need assistance, such as reminders of upcoming training sessions, reminders of the additional job security that results from training, or even a mandatory attendance requirement.

Workers in many professions can become more efficient at their job with proper training.
Workers in many professions can become more efficient at their job with proper training.

An effective training and job performance program will likely involve identifying the competencies that need to be developed by each employee. This part of the process can also help to identify more than just where training and job performance deficiencies lie. Individual training and job performance needs analysis should ideally show where an employee's strengths and weaknesses exist and which of these should be developed or overlooked in order to increase the individual's effectiveness within the organization. In other words, the connection between training and job performance lies in a company's willingness to train people in areas where they already have a degree of competency to help them do a better job.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ddljohn-- I see training and job performance from a different angle. Training programs are not just tools to improve job performance. They are also evaluation tools used to find out how well employees are performing. It can also help employers determine if employees are suitable for the position they hold.

I think that sometimes poor job performance has to do with an employees personality. Of course there are things that employers can do to improve performance in the workplace. In some cases however, an employee may perform poorly regardless. Training employees periodically is a good way to determine how well they are performing in their jobs, especially in very large organizations. This gives employers more chances to evaluate the employee and to see if they are a good fit for their position or the organization as a whole. If an employee's performance is not improving despite training, that's a good sign that the employee is not a good fit.

SteamLouis

@ddljohn-- I completely agree with you.

Training is also a factor that affects job satisfaction. Employees that receive proper training are more likely to be satisfied. Because when an employee completes a task as he should, that's an achievement that will increase his satisfaction. It's also well known that employees who are satisfied with their jobs perform better.

I consider training a part of workplace communication as well. At workplaces where there is poor communication between employers and employees, there will be poor employee performance. Group training can also be a positive factor that causes employees to feel that they are an important part of the team. So there are many factors that connect training with job performance.

ddljohn

I think that there is a strong connection between training and job performance. If employees do not know what is expected of them or how they can complete a task, they cannot perform or perform well. So at this very basic level, training is necessary for personnel performance.

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    • The connection between training and job performance often lies in a company's willingness to train people.
      By: llhedgehogll
      The connection between training and job performance often lies in a company's willingness to train people.
    • Workers in many professions can become more efficient at their job with proper training.
      By: Andreas Karelias
      Workers in many professions can become more efficient at their job with proper training.
    • Some industries, including real estate and health care, require all employees to complete a specific number of continuing education training hours regularly.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some industries, including real estate and health care, require all employees to complete a specific number of continuing education training hours regularly.
    • The mere existence of a training program does not mean that employees are being trained properly.
      By: Scott Griessel
      The mere existence of a training program does not mean that employees are being trained properly.