EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF HR-DRIVEN TRAINING PROGRAMS ON EMPLOYEE SKILL ENHANCEMENT IN LESSER-KNOWN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This study discusses how Human Resources driven training programs can enhance employee’s skills at three Lesser-Known universities: The University of Tromsø, University of Tarapacá (Chile) and University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). The study used a mixed method approach in which quantitative survey and qualitative interviews were used to collect data from both academic and non-teaching staff participants of HR training programs in the past two years. The University of Tromsø provided high satisfaction and effectiveness, the other University of Tarapacá was performing poorly because of budget and resources problems, which affected very low satisfaction. The University of KwaZulu-Natal achieved moderate success, favoring a dual-styled training modality that combined face-to-face and online training. The availability of training programs, cultural adaptation and evaluation mechanisms to guarantee the increase in employees' competencies are important aspects that the research brings to light. Recommendations for enhancing HR-sponsored training programs are drawn from the results, such as offering training on flexible online platforms and using inexpensive training resources to circumvent budget constraints.