An overview of training and development on performance enhancement

Abstract

The democratic dispensation in South Africa compelled government to implement skills development legislation to intensify employees’ capacity development. The evolution of democratic values triggered both the public and private sectors to invest in their existing and prospective employees. The public service departments and private companies have been obliged to conduct skills needs analyses, develop workplace skills plans, and implement training and development programmes as prescribed by various pieces of legislation. Employee training and development allow organisations to maximize the achievement of management objectives of the department, resolve organisational problems, and align employees’ culture and personal thinking to the values, culture, mission and vision of the department. This article considers training and development programmes as essential variables for improving employees’ performance and explores whether there is a strong relationship between training and development and performance improvement in the public service.