THE EFFECT OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT METHODS ON

EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE; AT SAFARICOM LIMITED

CALL CENTRE

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD

 DECLARATION

I, the undersigned, declare that this project is my original work and that it has not been

presented in any other university or institution for academic credit.

Signature…………………….. ….. Date………………….. …….

Full Name:

SUPERVISOR:

This project has been submitted for examination with my approval as university

supervisor.

Signature………………………… Date…………………. ……..

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank the Almighty God for his guidance throughout my studies and for enabling me

embrace the joy that this certification brings. My success would not have been achieved

without the great support and positive criticism by my supervisor Mrs. Florence Muindi.

I would like to thank my parent, Mr. and Mrs. Oniang‘o, for the encouragement and

support throughout this course. Mom and Dad, you ignited the little energy that was left

in me and encouraged me to finally defend the research proposal.

To my husband Elisha, thank you for your guidance and moral support.

My sincere thanks to my immediate boss Maurice Owiti for the guidance you offered me

throughout the research work, the leave days you approved and for all the support you

granted me throughout my MBA course.

I am also grateful to Safaricom Limited Company fraternity for all the informants for the

time taken to provide information required in carrying out the research.

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 DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to my parent Boaz and Margaret for their words of wisdom

encouragement and support in all my undertakings throughout my life. In the same way

you inspire me and support me, this milestone, masters in the discipline of human

resources management is as a result of your confidence in me to achieve greater heights

in life.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION.......................................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..................................................................................................................iii
DEDICATION..........................................................................................................................................iii
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................................vii
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................1
1:1 Background of the Study..............................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Training and Staff Development........................................................................................2
1.1.2 Employee Performance.........................................................................................................3
1.1.3 Safaricom Limited Call Centre...........................................................................................4
1.2 Research Problem...........................................................................................................................6
1.3 Research Objective........................................................................................................................8
1.4 Value of the Study..........................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................10
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Theoretical Foundation...............................................................................................................10
2.3 Training and Staff Development.............................................................................................13
2.3.1 Training and Staff Development Methods...................................................................14
2.3.2 Benefits of Training and Staff Development...............................................................16
2.4 Employee Performance..............................................................................................................18
2.5 Relationship between Training and Staff Development and Employee Performance
...................................................................................................................................................................22

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.......................................................24

3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................24
3.2 Research Design...........................................................................................................................24
3.3 Population.......................................................................................................................................24
3.4 Sample Design..............................................................................................................................24
3.5 Data Collection.............................................................................................................................25
3.6 Data Analysis................................................................................................................................26

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CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF
FINDINGS ...................................................................................................................... 27
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 27
4.2 Response Rate ........................................................................................................ 27
4.3 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents .................................................. 27
4.3.1 Job Position ...................................................................................................... 27
4.3.2 Gender of Respondent ..................................................................................... 28
4.3.3 Educational Background .................................................................................. 29
4.3.4 Years of Service in the Organization ............................................................... 31
4.4. Types of Training .................................................................................................. 32
Effectiveness of Training and Staff
4.5 Development .......................................................... 34
4.5.1 Quality of the Training .................................................................................... 35
4.5.2 Relevance of Training to the current Job ......................................................... 36
4.5.3 Training and Employee Performance .............................................................. 38
4.5.4. Need for Further Training ............................................................................... 39
4.5.5 Motivation and Training .................................................................................. 39
4.6 Training and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) ............................................. 40
Relationship between Training and Staff Development and Employee
4.7 Performance .... 42
4.8 Discussion of Findings ........................................................................................... 43
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS . 45
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 45
5.2 Summary of Findings ............................................................................................. 45
5.3 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 46
5.4 Recommendations .................................................................................................. 47
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 49
APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE ................................................................................... i

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Call Centre Staff..................................................................................................................25
Table 4.2: Job Positions of the Respondents...................................................................................28
Table 4.3: Summary of Training Objectives...................................................................................33
Table 4.4: Response on the Quality of Training............................................................................35
Table 4.5: Need for Further Training................................................................................................39
Table 4.6: Correlation.............................................................................................................................42

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4.1: Gender Representation of the Respondents...............................................................29

Figure 4.2: Education Level of the Respondents...........................................................................30
Figure 4.3: Years of Service of the Respondents...........................................................................31
Figure 4.4: Types of Training Received...........................................................................................33
Figure 4.5: Rating for the Quality of Trainings Attended by Respondents...........................35
Figure 4.6: Relevance of Training to current Job..........................................................................37
Figure 4.7: Training Effects on Employee Performance.............................................................38
Figure 4.8: Effects of Training on Motivation of Employees....................................................40
Figure 4.9: Impact of Training on the KPIs.....................................................................................41

viii
 ABSTRACT

In the field of human resource management, Staff Development is the field concerned
with organizational activity aimed at improving the performance of individuals and
groups in an organizational setting. It has been known by several names, including
employee Staff Development, human resource Staff Development, and learning and Staff
Development. This study aimed at examining the effect of Staff Development methods
on employee performance with a case study of Safaricom Call Center. Literature review,
based on other scholars contribution to the subject, discussed overview of training,
methods of training, benefits of training, employee performance, evaluation of training,
relationship between training and Staff Development and employee performance which
led to gap analysis as a conclusion of the chapter. The study adopted a case study
approach where data was collected across a population through sampling of 340
employees at the Call Center which forms the Customer Care Division of Safaricom. The
sample included managers, support/analyst and customer experience executives. Primary
data was collected by use of both structured and unstructured questions across the strata
and secondary data was gathered from various sources such as the Safaricom Strategic
Plan 2012, Employee Booklet and Call Center Performance Reports. Responses were
analyzed using both descriptive and graphical techniques. It was observed that training
and Staff Development has a positive impact on both motivations of employees as well as
performance. This contributed by the variant, relevant and high quality training. The
study concluded that there is need for continuous training and Staff Development taking
into consideration the competition, market dynamics, customer satisfaction, and net
promoter score among others. The study recommends that training needs at Safaricom
should be considered on the basis of overall company objectives. In addition, the goals of
the company should determine what training programs are to be organized for staff.

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1:1 Background of the Study

Human capital can be regarded as the prime asset of an organization and businesses need

to invest in that asset to ensure their survival and growth. The organization should ensure

that, it obtains and retains skilled, committed and well-motivated workforce it needs. This

means taking steps to assess and satisfy future people needs and to enhance and develop

the inherent capacities of people- their contributions, potential and employability- by

providing learning and continuous Staff Development opportunities.

Global competition has caused organizations to focus on every aspect of their operations,

questioning how each function and process can contribute to strategic goals. Training

departments are also under pressure to demonstrate their organizational value in the same

terms Steed, (2000), this is because organizations spend a considerable time, effort and

money in training their employees, but the benefits from these efforts are not clearly

visible in organizations in terms of improved performance. To make training and Staff

Development useful, it should be well planned and systematically implemented Rao and

Nair, (1990). The capacity of staff in a firm influences the ability to achieve the desired

targets particularly in performance driven enterprises. Human resource is recognized as a

critical resource for success. In order to sustain performance of the organization, it is

important to optimize the contribution of employees towards achievement of the aims and

goals of an organization (Armstrong, 1999).

1
1.1.1 Training and Staff Development

Armstrong, (2001) defines training as the formal and systematic modification of behavior

through learning, which occurs as a result of education, instructions and Staff

Development and planned experience. Training is the process of equipping the workforce

with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to tackle the job responsibilities. Staff

Staff Development on the other hand is improvement of the employees‘ competences for

future environmental demands and adaptability. Beardwell and Hidden (1994) consider

training and Staff Development as a planned process to modify attitude, knowledge or

skill behavior through learning experiences to achieve effective performance in an

activity or range of activities. Corporations are offering a variety of training programs to

meet their organizational needs. These include content on IT and systems, processes,

procedures and business practices, industry-specific trainings, managerial or supervisory

training, interpersonal skills, compliance, sales, executive Staff Development, basic

skills, new employee orientation, customer service and quality. As Reynolds (2004)

points out, training has a complementary role to play in accelerating learning. It should be

reserved for situations that justify amore directed expected approach rather than viewing

it as a comprehensive and all-pervasive people Staff Development solution. He also

commented that the conventional training model has a tendency to emphasize subject –

specific knowledge rather than trying to build core learning abilities.

Staff Development is a long term education process utilizing a systematic and organized

procedure by which managerial personnel learn conceptual and theoretical knowledge for

general purpose. According to Campbell (1971) Staff Development implies an individual

2
growth and self-realization in a brand base. Cole (1990) suggests a broader view of

knowledge and skills acquisition training. He suggests that he is more concerned with

employee potential than immediate skills and views employees as adaptable resource

aiming at personal growth and realization of potential of an employee. Armstrong (2001)

indicates individual Staff Development is the progression by individuals in their career

with guidance encouragement and help from the manager.

Training and Staff Development improves the workforce competence in order to create a

competitive advantage and contribute to organizational success. Training and Staff

Development is also a means for employers to address the employees‘ needs. By offering

the training and Staff Development opportunities employers help employees develop

their own competitive advantage and ensure long term employability, Jackson (2008).

Staff Development implies it is an ongoing process and that progress is made over time

and this fits also with the emphasis on long life learning.

1.1.2 Employee Performance

Holton (1995) defines performances a multi-dimensional construct, the measurement of

which varies depending on variety of factors. Armstrong (2000) on the other hand

indicates performance as both behavior and results and emphasizes that both behavior

(input) and results (output) need to be considered when managing performance.

Performance of an organization is the outcome of acrostic of individuals and units of the

organization. Except for the external influences on individual behavior and personal

traits, organizations can either influence or control all factors affecting performance of

3
individuals and units through formal and informal means. Greater influence of

individuals can be exercised formally through communication; work culture and

management style Kasturi (2006).

Employee performance involves all aspects which directly or indirectly affect and relate

to the work of the employees. Performance means both behavior and results. Behavior

emanates from the performer and transforms performance from abstraction to action. Not

just the instruments for results, behaviors are also outcomes in their own right-the product

of mental and physical effort applied to tasks-and can be judged apart from results

Brumbranch (1998). Within high performance work systems, training will be aligned and

integrated with actual work. Employees need training in group dynamics and

interpersonal relations, and in systems thinking to understand better how all parts of their

organization fit together and affect each other. Trainers play a key role in providing

feedback on employees‘ performance and financial performance of their organization

Steed (2000).

1.1.3 Safaricom Limited Call Centre

Safaricom customer services started in 2001, when safaricom was still a subsidiary of the

Kenya postal and telecommunication company (Telkom Kenya). When safaricom

became an independent subsidiary after the government sold 40% shareholding to

Vodafone (UK), the customer service section was split into two: The customer care retail

Centre and the call center for those customer who did not have a care center in their

region due to distance, they could call in and get the same service. Shops have been

4
turned into revenue centre where they concentrate on sales as well as customer service.

The total number of staff in retail shops has 850 while call centre has about 1400 staff,

thus forming the largest number of all departments in the company.

The call centre is a centralized office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a

large volume of requests by telephone. The call centre is located at Sarin Park along

Mombasa road and it adopts the name Jambo Contact Centre. The call centre is operated

through an open workspace for call centre agents, with work stations that include a

computer for each agent, a headset connected to a telecom switch and supervisor stations.

The Jambo Contact Centre is divided into zones adopting animal names such as Twiga,

Swara, Nyumbu, Tembo, simba, kifaru, chui and Nyati. Each of these zones is assigned a

shift manager, line manager (team leader), support analysts, and call centre agents all

charged with different assignments. There is the Quality Assessors team to oversee the

quality of service delivered by each agent to our customers. From their assessment the

training needs are identified and addressed by the team leaders. Each agent‘s

performance is managed through this process, there are set objectives done half yearly

and from these the performance levels are determined against the set key performance

indices (KPIs), these are further used to determine the salary increase to be awarded,

bonuses and in extreme cases dismissals.

The call centre is also equipped with other facilities to make the employees comfortable,

these are: the gym, clinics that are run 24 hours with qualified staff and medical facilities,

security personnel, entertainment, refreshments, a nursery for the children and a resource

5
centre. Jambo contact centre being far from the head office in westlands has been

provided with representatives from the necessary departments to ensure flow of business;

these are the IT staff and human resource business partners. Training rooms are available

for any in-house training that is to be carried out.

1.2 Research Problem

Staff training and Staff Development is recognized as crucial element in the attainment of

organizational goals and objectives. In order to sustain economic and effective

performance, it‘s important to optimize the contribution of employees to the aims and

goals of an organization Armstrong (1999). Training and Staff Development activities

have implications for attempts to motivate and involve the workforce with an aim of

improving performance. One of the primary objectives of human resource management is

the creation of conditions whereby the latent potential of the employees will be realized

and their commitment to the success of the organization secured. Chang (1994) points out

that the scope of evaluating the training effort should explain how training contributes to

the ‗big picture‘ as it is implemented to bring about improvement in job performance.

The ultimate purpose of training is to help organizations achieve their performance

results. Training activities have effect on relative competitiveness and economic

performance, at both the aggregate level of the national economy or industrial sector, and

at the level of individual enterprises Storey (1999).

6
Customer service agents at Safaricom Limited spend the most of the time with the

customers than anyone else in the organization, they are seen as the frontline contacts in

dealing with key business in this case safaricom subscribers, safaricom customers service

agent go through vigorous training in issues pertaining to customer: Customer Service

training; Telephone etiquette; Products and Services Training; Systems training;

Customer Experience Training; Management and Leadership Programs; Quality

Assurance training.

There are several studies that have been done in training but have focused on other

organizations and departments but not in call Centre in the telecommunications industry.

Musili (2010) researched on the perceived effectiveness of training and Staff

Development on performance of In-Flight attendants in Kenya Airways. She found that

there are other factors affecting employees‘ performance in Kenya airways other than

training. The employees wanted to be involved in decision making especially regarding

personal Staff Development. Gakuru (2006) researched on the relationship between

training practices and performance, his was a survey of companies listed on the NSE, He

considered the organizations in general, he found that the training practices have a

significant effect on performance, and that, systematic training yielded better results than

non-systematic training. Nguku (2006) researched on staff training and Staff

Development practices in state corporations in Kenya. She found that employee trainings

that are designed to assist employees in acquiring better skills, knowledge and attitudes

towards their work yielded better performance. Mohammed (2006) researched on

outsourcing of training services by Commercial Banks in Kenya. None of these studies

has tackled the relationship between

7
training and Staff Development and employees performance in customer care services

(call centers) so far, Musili (2010) remains the only study on training and Staff

Development on employees‘ performance of in flight attendants in Kenya airways

limited.

Thus, this constitutes a knowledge gap that the present study seeks to fill the purpose of

the study therefore, it is to establish the relationship between training and Staff

Development, and employee performance in the call centre.

1.3 Research Objective

The objective of the study is to establish the relationship between training and Staff

Development, and employee performance among the customer care agents in Safaricom

limited call centre.

1.4 Value of the Study

The study will be of use to management by encouraging them to embrace training and

Staff Development to increase competitiveness, it will also help to establish how training

has impacted on performance of customer care agents and what improvements can be

done to help equip the agents further as well motivated them to work better for better

performance. The study will help the customer service agents come up with suggestion of

what they would like to be incorporated in the training and Staff Development programs

so as to improve their performance.

8
The study will also be useful to stakeholders who will be able to identify with a growing

organization as a result of good performance. This will ensure that they invest in an

organization whose performance is promising as a result of effective training and Staff

Development of its staff. The study will also add value to the researcher in the area of

training and Staff Development. Scholars will find it important as it will increase the

body of knowledge in this area. It can also assist the researchers in doing further studies

of the same.

9
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter examines previous literature related to the relationship between training and

Staff Development, and employee performance among the customer care agents in

Safaricom limited call centre. It review the past studies that help the researcher to

understand and identify the problem being studied more appropriately.

2.2 Theoretical Foundation

As the literature suggests, the nature of the training in the public sector has changed over

the recent decades. Traditionally, training was considered to be job-focused, limited to

the technical skills and abilities needed by public employees to perform specific tasks. As

such, it was differentiated from education, which was considered to be broader in scope,

more oriented toward a range of future jobs and generally provided by institutions of

higher learning. Traditionally, individuals obtained their education first and subsequently

received training in the work environment. Recently, the distinction among training,

education, and Staff Development has become blurred (Van Wart, Cayer, and Cook,

1993). As public organizations find themselves needing to help employees learn about

new technologies and skills, training, in many instances, has begun to look like what has

traditionally been called education. The on-going debate in academia over the content of

the courses suggested in MBA and PhD programs is illustrative of the nature of these

discussions.

10
The literature suggests a number of typologies and taxonomies of training. The nature of

this article does not allow going into more details. Brief annotations of those taxonomies

are in Table 1.

Table1: Taxonomies of Training Suggested in the Literature

Technical: Non-job specific: Management: Employee

- Procedural - Basic - Supervisory enrichment

- Mechanical - General - Management

- Professional - Executive

Source: Author 2014

Adapted from Montgomery Van Wart, N. Joseph Cayer, and Steve Cook, Handbook of

Training and Staff Development for the Public Sector, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Publishers, 1993, pp.21-34.

According to DeSario et.al. (1994), training ―refers to learning experiences designed to

enhance the short-term and/or long-term job performance of individual employees‖. In

this respect, training is viewed as part of an on-going Staff Developmental process.

Training needs to be linked with the organizational mission (Eurich, 1985; Fischer, 1989;

Latham, 1988; Miller, 1989). So, when local governments plan their training activities,

they need provide the link with the organizational mission and local budget and

implementation.

Some authors suggest considering training as investment decisions Eurich, (1985), and

they should be made after careful consideration. It is usually advised that training

activities should be examined from the perspective of their ability to influence individual

job performance, rather than isolated experiences that may or may not contribute to the

organization‘s success. McGehee and Thayer (1961) are usually regarded as the authors

11
of the first textbook on training in organizations. They suggested a three-fold approach to

determine the types of training and Staff Development experiences that should be

implemented, including organizational analyses, task analyses, and person analyses.

Accordingly, organizational analyses focus on the organization‘s ability to support

training. Task analyses focus on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other personal

characteristics required to perform the agency‘s task. Person analyses focus on the needs

of the individual, identifying personal characteristics possessed by the particular

individual.

There are two basic questions must be addresses in the design of training activities. The

first is the question of how a given course should be delivered. Who should participate?

Where the course should be held? What types of learning tools should be used in the

program? A second question is the creation of a learning experience that improves the

transfer of knowledge. It is not enough for the trainees to learn; they must be able and

willing to seek new abilities on their job. From the field of adult education, it is well

known that adults are learning differently than children. First of all, adults have to know

why they should learn something.

Thus, employees need to see training experiences as relevant to their current work

environment. Second, trainees need to be self-directed; they should be active participants

in the learning process. Third, both trainees and trainers must recognize that adult

employees have a greater volume and different quality of experience than youth. In the

design of training and Staff Development activities, a wide variety of instructional media

is available to trainers and managers (Campbell, 1988; Goldstein, 1986; Latham, 1989).

There are different instructional techniques that can be used, including lectures, case

12
studies, simulations, role-play exercises, and small-group discussions. Regardless of the

particular technique, trainees should be active participants in the learning process. They

should have an opportunity to practice their knowledge and skills in a scenario that

closely resembles the actual job situation. Also, participants should receive feedback.

2.3 Training and Staff Development

Noe, (2001) says that organizations that embrace training and Staff Development

practices are able to retain their customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and other

stakeholders in the long run as they are deemed more trustworthy and better custodians of

the interests of the various stakeholders. This translates into better financial performance

for the business. Myles (2002), states that a company that seeks to train and develop its

employees well and reward them for their performance has its employees in turn are

motivated and thus are more likely to engage in their work hence improving their

performance and loyalty to their company. These same employees being the point of

contact with customers will provide better service, leading to more repeat business and

more referrals from the satisfied customers. The increase in sales through repeat business

and referrals will translate into an increase in business profits thus improving

shareholders‘ investment. The shareholders are therefore benefiting from the increased

returns on their investment and may choose to increase their investment into the business.

This example illustrates the ‗virtuous circle‘ as described by Lisk (1996) where there is a

reciprocal relationship between training and Staff Development and performance.

13
Learner (1986), conducted an eleven year study and found that organizations with

cultures that emphasized training and Staff Development and ethical values in every area

with regards to employees, customers and stakeholders, as well as leadership from

managers, outperformed companies that did not have this cultural characteristics by a

huge margin. Seligman (1978) stated that where values are clarified and shared,

productivity and job satisfaction increase.

2.3.1 Training and Staff Development Methods

Rhernebergen and Wognum (2002) have described core Staff Development as a process

organizations deliberately undertake in order to develop its employees to meet future

challenges. Management also this process to develop proper human resources Staff

Development program that ensure employees are trained and their skills are upgraded as

they go up the organizations ladder to occupy positions of higher responsibilities.

Keissler (2002) argues that career Staff Development facilitates the organizations

objective of showing a well-articulated growth oriented yet flexible a path to its

employees. Information technology on the other hand has been hailed as a catalyst of

human resources Staff Development. Powel (1997) investigated linkages between

information technology and performance and observed that information technology alone

cannot produce sustainable performance advantages in the organization but that firms had

gained advantages, by using information technology to leverage performance.

14
Beardwell and Holden (1994), pin point that a careful use of training methods can be very

cost effective investment in the sense of using appropriate methods. Further they state

that, if an increase in the training methods is not appropriate, trainees may end up not

benefiting from the exercise. Broadly, training programs are classified into: on-the-job

training and off-the-job training. On-the-job training – this is probably the most common

approach to training and range from the selectively unsophisticated approach which

involves verbal instructions or demonstrations of how to use tools and other equipment.

According to Armstrong (1998), on-the-job training is useful in developing and

practicing specific managerial, leadership, technical, manual and administrative skills

needed by the organization to improve competitiveness. It has the advantage of actuality

and immediate since the trainee works, learns and develops expertise at the same time.

Jacob et al (1985) argues that on-the-job training focuses on the acquisition of skills

within the work environment generally under normal working conditions.

Rothwell et al (1994) observed that on-the-job training has been used to develop

employees and typically includes verbal and written instructions, demonstrations and

observations and hands on practice imitation. Generally the on-the-job training includes

the following types of training, orientation or induction training, apprenticeship and

refresher training. Off-the-job training – sometimes may be necessary to get away from

the immediate work environment to a place where the frustration and hustle of work is

eliminated. This enables the trainees to study theoretical information or be exposed to

new and innovative ideas. This type of training takes place on special courses or in a

15
training area or centre that has been specifically equipped and staffed for training. They

include: lectures, training by management institutions, conferences, seminars, case study,

brainstorming.

According to Lisk (1996), human resources training and Staff Development approaches

can be viewed from two perspectives, the macro and micro practices. The micro

identifies the degree to which internal career Staff Development systems facilitate

organizational progression and personal Staff Development. It also addresses the extent

to which organizations perceive need for skill enhancement to equip employees with

relevant skills for future work demand. These approaches include career Staff

Development information technology, job rotation, job design, job enhancement, job

enlargement, 360 degrees feedback and on-the-job training.

2.3.2 Benefits of Training and Staff Development

The adoption of changing technology in this era of globalization and the emergence of

new technologies, organizations are striving to survive, grow and operate profitably in a

turbulent, even changing environment. They have to position themselves in order to keep

abreast with the new technologies and business Staff Development globally. Employees

need to be trained and developed regularly so as to deliver even when the external

environment changes lead to obsolesce of the current technology in place with the

organization Nadler (1984). Training eliminates job discrepancies. To be successful,

organizations have to be responsive and fast to changing environment. They have to

respond fast to changing consumer requirements and needs for quality, variety,

customization, convenience and

16
timeliness. There is need to ensure that there is synchronization and standardization in

how things are carried out in organizations. Beardwell and Holden (1997) human

resource management has emerged as a set of prescriptions for managing people at work.

The central claim is that by matching the size, skills of the workforce to productive

requirements of the organization and by raising the quality of individual employee

contribution to production, organizations can make significant improvements on their

performance. The main purpose of training and Staff Development is to eliminate

performance discrepancies whether current or anticipated.

Training and Staff Development leads to increased employee motivation Seligman

(1978). The management can motivate people through such methods as pay, promotion,

praise and training. Gale (1994), states that motivating other people is about getting them

to move in the direction you want them to go in order to achieve a result. Motivated

people are those with clearly defined goals who take action that they expect will achieve

those goals. Training and Staff Development also enhances competitive advantage of an

organization. This is the essence of competitive strategy. It encompasses those

capabilities, resources, relationships and decisions which permit an organization to

capitalize on opportunities in the market place and avoid threats to its desired position:

Gellatily (1996). Armstrong (2005), many organizations have got to the point of

recognizing that training and Staff Development is a strategic priority rather than a

tactical response. A reason for training and Staff Development is to give the organization

a competitive edge.

17
Training and Staff Development ensures increased productivity. Armstrong (2003) all

organizations are concerned with what should be done to achieve sustainable high level

of performance through people. The aim is to develop motivation processes and a work

environment that will help to ensure that individuals deliver results in accordance with

the expectation of management. It also enhances customer relations. Muchel‘le (2007)

suggests the following aspects that enhance customer relations with the clients like being

good listeners to the customers and communicating well with them, being sensitive and

tactful, employees being sincere with the information they provide, making promises they

can keep, loyal to customers, associates and the company.

2.4 Employee Performance

Employees must know what they need to do to perform their job successfully. Setting

performance expectations and goals for individuals and groups to channel their efforts

towards achieving organizational objectives. Getting employees involved in the planning

process helps them understand the goals of the organization, what needs to be done, why

it needs to be done and how well it should be done, Terrington (1995). Performance

expectations need to be understood and where possible, to involve the contribution from

the employees as Terrington (2005) puts it. Williams (2000), argues that as individuals

cannot always control their results, it‘s important to have behavioral targets as well as

output targets. It is recommended that there is a personal Staff Development plan which

would again underpin the achievement of objectives.

18
Price (2005) states that managing employee performance every day is the key to an

effective performance management system. Setting goals, making sure expectations are

clear and providing frequent feedback help people perform most effectively.

Goal setting involves managers and subordinates jointly establishing and clarifying

employees‘ goals. It affects performance through influencing what people think and do

by focusing their behavior in the direction of goals, energize behavior, motivate people to

put forth the effort to reach difficult goals that are expected and clarifies duties and

responsibilities. Participation convinces employees that the goals are achievable and can

increase motivation and performance Cummings and Worley (2005). Clear performance

expectations are a critical factor in teamwork success, whether your goal is to develop a

project team, your departmental team, or a sense of teamwork company-wide, clear

performance expectations support teamwork success. Use clear performance expectations

to help employees develop accountable, productive, meaningful, participatory teamwork

Armstrong (2003).

Measurement is an important concept in performance management. It‘s the basis for

providing and generating feedback. It identifies where things are going well to provide

the foundations for building further success, and it indicates where things are not going

so well, so that corrective action can be taken. Armstrong (2006) all jobs produce

outcomes even if they are not quantified. It‘s therefore often necessary to measure

performance by reference to what outcomes have been attained in comparison with what

outcomes were expected. According to Behn (2003), the fundamental purpose behind

19
measures is to improve performance. Measures that are not directly connected to

improving performance (like measures that are directed at communicating better with the

public to build trust) are measures that are a means to achieving that ultimate purpose.

There are several methods of assessing individual‘s ability to perform a job effectively

and to identify the gap between effective and current performance for which a training

solution will contribute to closing the gap Muchel‘le (2007). Price et al (2005), states that

a human resources manager can either question employees about their job, problems or

perceived training and Staff Development needs or even observation can be used to

investigate work flows. Data from internal records can also be analyzed to identify

patterns and trends in performance of an employee. Quantity of units produced, processed

or sold is a good indicator of performance, but care should be taken not compromise on

the quality. Quality of work can be measured by several means, example the percentage

of work to be redone or rejected. In sales the percentage of inquiries converted to sales is

an indicator of salesmanship quality. Timeliness and how fast work is accomplished. The

cost of work performance can be used as a measure of performance only if the employee

has some degree of control over the cost Price (2005).

Absenteeism and tardiness, an employee is obviously not performing when he/she is no at

work. Other employees‘ performance may also be affected by this absenteeism.

Creativity can be difficult to measure/quantify as a performance measure but in many

white collar jobs, it is vitally important. Supervisors and employees should keep track of

creative work examples and attempt to quantify them Noe (2001) Performance appraisal

tells top performers that they are valued by the company. It requires managers to at least

20
annually communicate to employees their performance strengths and weaknesses. A good

performance appraisal requires that all employees doing a similar job are evaluated using

the same standards Price (2005). Muchel‘le (2007), states that appraisals are a major

performance measure. Manager‘s appraisal is whereby a manager appraises the

employee‘s performance and delivers the appraisal to the employee. This is by nature a

top-down and does not encourage the employees‘ active participation. It‘s often met with

resistance because the employee has no investment in its Staff Development. Self-

appraisal is when the employee appraises his or her own performance, in many cases,

comparing the self-appraisal to the manager review.

Often, self-appraisals can highlight discrepancies between what the employee and

management think are important performance factors and provide mutual feedback for

meaningful adjustment of expectations. Peer appraisal- employees in similar positions

appraise an employee‘s performance. Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton have

developed a set of measures that they refer to as ―a balanced scorecard.‖ These measures

give top managers a fast but comprehensive view of the organization‘s performance and

include both process and results measures. Kaplan and Norton compare the balanced

scorecard to the dials and indicators in an airplane cockpit. For the complex task of flying

an airplane, pilots need detailed information about fuel, air speed, altitude, bearing, and

other indicators that summarize the current and predicted environment. Reliance on one

instrument can be fatal. Similarly, the complexity of managing an organization requires

that managers be able to view performance in several areas simultaneously.

21
A balanced scorecard—or a balanced set of measures— provides that valuable

information. Kaplan and Norton recommend that managers gather information from four

important perspectives: The customer‘s perspective. Managers must know if their

organization is satisfying customer needs. They must determine the answer to the

question: How do customers see us? The internal business perspective Managers need to

focus on those critical internal operations that enable them to satisfy customer needs.

They must answer the question: What must we excel at? The innovation and learning

perspective of an organization‘s ability to innovate improve and learn ties directly to its

value as an organization. Managers must answer the question: Can we continue to create

and improve the value of our services? The financial perspective in the private sector,

these measures has typically focused on profit and market share. For the public sector,

financial measures could include the results-oriented measures required by the

Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (i.e., the Results Act). Managers must

answer the question: How do we look to Congress, the President, and other stakeholders?

2.5 Relationship between Training and Staff Development and Employee

Performance

Myles (2000), states that a company that seeks to train and develop its employees well

and reward them for their performance has its employees in turn motivated and thus are

more likely to be engaged in their work hence improving performance and loyalty to their

company. These same employees, being the point of contact with customers will provide

better service, leading to more business and more referrals from the satisfied customers.

The increase in sales through referrals and repeat businesses will translate into an

increase in business profits thus improving shareholders‘ investment. The shareholders

22
are therefore benefiting from increased returns on their investment in the business. In

addition, good financial performance also attracts new shareholders to the business.

Suppliers will be eager to do business with the company due to its financial strength and

its positive reputation. The company is therefore able to negotiate friendly purchase terms

with suppliers. This example illustrates the ‗virtuous circle‘ as described by Lisk (1996)

where there is a reciprocal relationship between training & Staff Development and

performance.

Learner (1986), to further illustrate this reciprocal relationship, conducted an eleven year

study and found that organizations with cultures that emphasized training and Staff

Development and ethical values in every area with regards to employees, customers and

stakeholders, as well as leadership from managers, outperformed companies that did not

have this cultural characteristics by a huge margin. Seligman (1978) stated that where

values are clarified and shared, productivity and job satisfaction increase. According to

Noe (2001), organizations that embrace training and Staff Development practices are able

to retain customers, suppliers, employees, stakeholders and shareholders in the long-run

as they are deemed more trustworthy and better custodians of the interests of the various

stakeholders. This translates into better financial performance of the business.

23
 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter the research methodology to be used in the study is described. The study

design and the population are described. The instruments to be used to collect the data

and methods that will be used in data analysis are described.

3.2 Research Design

The research will be in the form of descriptive survey. This is an ideal methodology when

collecting information about people‘s attitudes, opinions, habits or any of the variety of

education or social issues Orodho and Kombo (2002). It is a method of collecting

information by interviewing or administering a questionnaire to a sample of individuals.

3.3 Population

The research will focus on Safaricom Limited customer service representatives in the call

center. There are 3500employees in the various zones in the call center.

3.4 Sample Design

A listing of all the customer management sections will be obtained from the

administration office from most senior grades to the least. Stratified proportionate

sampling technique will be used, the strata in this case being different grades of

employees in customer management department. Systematic sampling and recording will

be used. A sample of the different sections in customer management will be used to get

the number of respondents to be interviewed as shown below. The NEA Research

24
bulletin was used to deter mine the sample size as per the Table 3.1, 346 of the 3500

employees will be used in this study. Formula used is (Population/Total Population X

346) = Sample Size The NEA Research Bulletin, Vol. 38 (December, 1960).

Table 3.1: Call Centre Staff

Grade Ranking Population Sample Size

Shift Managers (Grade 5) 20 2

Team Leaders (Grade 6) 120 12

Support Analysts (Grade 7) 65 6

Quality Assessors ( Grade 7) 70 7

Call Centre Agents (Grade 8) 3225 319

Totals 3500 346

Source: Safaricom handbook (2014)

3.5 Data Collection

This study will rely on primary data. The primary data will be collected through a semi –

structured questionnaire which will be administered on a drop and pick basis. The

questionnaire will consist of open ended and closed questions. It will be made up of two

parts; Part A covering the general information about the respondents and the different

trainings they have so far attended. Part B will seek to answer the research objective

which was to find out the effect of training and Staff Development on employee

performance.

25
3.6 Data Analysis

The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. After gathering all the data from the

instrument, the researcher will study the collected data and edit so that only the data

relevant to the research questions and objectives will be retained. Data will be analyzed

using descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation, simple linear regression

analysis will be used to link training and Staff Development to performance. The results

will be presented by use of tables and charts.

26
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This section focuses on the analysis and report of the results of the study. The main issues

covered are demographics of the respondents and data presentation in terms of tables,

charts and cross tabulations to address the objectives of the study.

4.2 Response Rate

The data for this study was collected in the month of September 2014 using questionnaire

and an interview schedule to the identified 350 respondent within Safaricom Call Center.

Questionnaires were distributed to the identified staff cadres of the organization out of

which 340 questionnaires were successfully completed and returned to the researcher.

The response rate was therefore 97% of the sample and, 10% of target population.

According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), a response rate of over 50% is

recommended.

4.3 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

Demographics characteristics will be looking at the various categories into which the

respondents are classified. This included gender, job position, education levels and years

of service.

4.3.1 Job Position

The questionnaire schedule began by asking the respondents to indicate their position

within the organization. This is important in identifying the different training needs for

27
different levels of employment. In our study it was limited to the position that is

Management, Back office support and operations as shown in table 4.1.

Table 4.2: Job Positions of the Respondents

Job Position Frequency Percent (%)

Managers 12 3.5

Analysts/Support 31 9.1

Customer Experience Executives (CEE) 297 87.4

Total 340 100.0

Source: Author (2014)

Table 4.2 presents the various job positions held by the employees who participated in

the questionnaire. The results in the table reveal that CEE formed the majority with

87.4%, Analysts/Support representing 9.7% while the Management represented the least

at 3.5%. These results show that the Safaricom call center consist of various positions

settings which implies that different levels of training may be required to improve

employee performance.

4.3.2 Gender of Respondent

Figure 4.1 present‘s data on gender of respondents. The figure shows that the female

respondent formed the majority of the target population with a total of 54% while 46% of

the respondents were males.

The figure 4.1 shows that out of the 340 respondents, the majority 193 respondents

representing 54% were female while 147 respondents representing 46% were males. The

results have also been represented in figure 4.1.

28
Figure 4.1: Gender Representation of the Respondents
Female Male

46%

54%

Source: Author (2014)

The ratio of male to female is almost 46:54 meaning that Safaricom as an organization

takes consideration of gender balance while hiring staff. This is in accordance to the

Kenya Constitution which stipulates gender equity.

4.3.3 Educational Background

It was also necessary for the study to determine the education levels of the respondents as

that could determine what kind of training may be most appropriate. Table 5 presents the

data of educational background of respondent.

Figure 4.2 illustrates the distribution of the respondents in terms of their educations levels

st
which are certificate, diploma, 1 degree, post-graduate and others. Graphical

representation is shown in figure 4.2.

29
Figure 4.2: Education Level of the Respondents

Level of Education

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
1st Degree Certificate Diploma Others Post
Graduate

Source: Author (2014)

From Figure 4.2, it can be seen that respondents hold a range of educational

qualifications from certificate to postgraduate level. Most of the employees consisting

st
majority of the total respondents have diploma courses at 43%. 1 degree holders 37%,

certificate at 10%, postgraduate at 7% and other qualification at 3%. Other qualifications

were e-learning courses, seminars, and workshops on business management and customer

management. These courses were specific to the operations of the call center hence

enhancing performance. In contrast the rest of the qualification were more geared

towards developing the individuals and providing room for other employment hence

increasing staff turnover rate at the call center.

30
4.3.4 Years of Service in the Organization

The study also sought to find out the years of service the respondents have rendered to

the organization to enable us put their responses into proper perspective. Table 6

represents the categories of years of service as indicated by the respondents.

Figure 4.3 illustrates the frequency and percent of the years of service of the respondents

at the call center. It is evident that 98% of the respondents have worked for the company

for 1 to 10 years. Figure 4.3 shows the graphic representation of the years in service of

the respondent.

Figure 4.3: Years of Service of the Respondents

2%

20%

43%

35%

Less than 1 5-Jan 10-Jun More than 10

Source: Author (2014)

From the figure 4.3 shows that 43% or the respondents have worked between 1-5 years,

35% between 6-10 years, 20% over 10 years and only 2% less than 1 year. These figures

also show that about 98% of the respondents have served at Safaricom call center

31
between 1 to more than 10 years. This means that the organization has a blend of

experience. It also shows that majority are young professionals who require constant

refresher training and Staff Development to update their skills and to perform better on

the job. This implies that new staff with external experience brings in new ideas into the

organization; however management should not forget legacy issues because they tend to

inform the future. The results also indicate that the company has good employee retention

systems. The results also imply that these employees require constant training and Staff

Development programs to keep them updated with their skills as well as the company

Staff Development, for example, technological and customer related Staff Developments

so as to improve their performance. It is notable that the organization also has new

entrants in company.

4.4. Types of Training

It was important under the training methods objective for the study to determine the kinds

of training that take place at the Call Center. During the interview with the Training and

Talent Staff Development Manager, he indicated that they engage in job training,

refresher training, Staff Development training, group training. However, our research

narrowed down to the components of the job and Staff Development training which

involved Communication skills, Products and services, Systems, Customer Experience

Program and Relationship Management. The respondents were also asked what kind of

training they had received over the period and the 340 respondents who had received one

form of training or the other mentioned various programs with the key ones summarized

below as a percentage of the total for each type.

32
Figure 4.4: Types of Training Received
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20% % Trained
10% %Not Trained
0%

Source: Author (2014)

In figure 4.4 most respondents 92% have been trained on products and services, 90% on

communication skills, 88% on system, 74% on customer experience and 60% on

relationship management. Each of the mentioned training should have independent

policies and objectives to be in line with Kenney et al. (1992) observation where

companies should have different policies and objectives for training depending on the

class or level of employment or level of employees to be trained. The results imply that

the organization is more customer focused and also adopts training as a means of

increasing morale of employees, increase knowledge, and facilitates change management

among others. Table 4.6 shows the objectives of each type of training.

33
Table 4.3: Summary of Training Objectives
Types of Training Objective

Communication Skills To improve respondent‘s listening skills,

Passing of information to the customers in the

correct mannerism i.e. tone of voice and pace

ensuring full understanding by the customer of

solutions offered.

Systems Ease of navigation enabling the customer care

agent to capture customer issues and provide

solutions faster

Products and Services To be able to offer needed solutions to

customers in the shortest time possible

Customer Experience To be in the customer‘s shoes and be of needed

assistance

Relationship Management To increase knowledge and skills in customer

retention and business growth through

excellent customer service.

Source: Human resource (Learning and Staff Development) ,2014

4.5 Effectiveness of Training and Staff Development

It is also important to look at the effectiveness of the training in terms of the quality,

relevance, contribution in improving performance and motivation.

34
4.5.1 Quality of the Training

The respondents were asked to rate the quality of the training they have participated as

excellent, very good, good, average and poor. Table 4.7 below illustrate the respondents.

Table 4.4: Response on the Quality of Training

Response Frequency Percent (%)

Excellent 44 13

Very Good 136 40

Good 122 36

Average 38 11

Poor 0 0

Total 340 100

Source: Author (2014)

Table 4.7 presents the responses given by the respondents on the quality of the training

programs for which they have participated. The findings indicate that majority of the

respondents 40% were contented with the quality of the training programs for which they

attended. Figure 4.5 shows the graphic representation.

35
Figure 4.5: Rating for the Quality of Trainings Attended by Respondents

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
Excellent Very Good Good Average Poor

Source: Author (2014)

Figure 4.5 clearly illustrates that 84% of the respondents agree that the organization

provides quality training to them i.e. 40% Very Good, 36% Good and 13% Excellent.

These results indicate clear deliverance of the training programs. On other hand, only

indicate 11% indicate otherwise.

4.5.2 Relevance of Training to the current Job

The respondents were further asked if the training they have received was relevant to

their current job or work in the organization. Figure 9 illustrates the responses.

Figure 4.6 reports the results from the relevance of the training received by the

respondents to their current roles. Below is a graphical presentation of the results.

36
Figure 4.6: Relevance of Training to current Job

Not Sure
7%
No
21%

Yes
72%

Source: Author (2014)

Majority of the respondents at 72% indicated that indeed the training they have received

so far is relevant to their current job. 21% felt that the training was not relevant while 7%

were not sure of the relevance to current roles. Upon checking the effectiveness of

training, Kenney et al. (1992) stated that the training program is reviewed during and

after its completion by the training officer, the line manager, and if necessary, by the

trainees themselves. When the Talent Staff Development Manager was asked during the

interview to indicate how training objectives were determined, he stated that the issues on

the ground determine the objectives of the training but training has to be a planned

process that takes care of all the issues. The results indicate that the Human Resource

Manager puts a lot of emphasis on training that will add value to and thus relevant to

current work of those selected for the training.

37
4.5.3 Training and Employee Performance

In measuring the effect of training and Staff Development on employee performance and

productivity, respondents were asked the key question ―In your opinion, do you think

training has helped improve your performance since joining Safaricom?‖ the responses

are summarized in figure 4.7 below:

Figure 4.7: Training Effects on Employee Performance

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
10%
0%

Yes
No
Not Sure

Source: Author (2014)

The results in figure 4.7 clearly indicate that over 187 respondents representing about

56% link training to their improved performance. This is significant because the purpose

of training at Safaricom is to improve individual and organizational performance. The

results imply that the training programme meets its intended objectives. In addition, our

results are in line with prior literature review which show that training impacts

performance partly through improving employee skills which enables them to know and

perform their job better (Wright Geroy 2001; Swart et al. 2005; Harris 2000; Appiah

2010).

38
4.5.4. Need for Further Training

It was relevant to find out whether the respondents felt the need for further training. Table

4.10 illustrates the results

Table 4.5: Need for Further Training

Response Frequency Percent (%)

Yes 281 82.5

No 59 17.5

Total 340 100

Source: Author (2014)

Based on the responses in Table 4.10, 281 respondents representing 82.5% of the entire

sample revealed a need for further training. Majority of these indicated that based on the

nature of their jobs in particular and company business needs in general, there is ever

changing technology, market dynamics, Net Promoter Score (NPS), new products and

services which presents an ever changing demand for which they have to cope with. This

in their opinion calls for frequent training so as to keep up to date in all situations.

4.5.5 Motivation and Training

Training is a planned and systematic effort by which Managements of organizations aim

at altering behavior, and encouraging employees in a direction that will achieve

organizational goals. One of the key known benefits of training is the motivation it

provides those to who receive it. Indeed, according to Cole (2002), employees who

receive training have increased confidence and motivation. That is, training can achieve

high morale for an organization. Training is known to increase the availability and quality

of staff. The study therefore sought the opinion of the respondents whether they feel

39
motivated and satisfied with the training and how it is applied at Safaricom. Figure 4.8

presents the results.

Figure 4.8: Effects of Training on Motivation of Employees

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
Yes No

Source: Author 2014

Figure 4.8 and Table 4.11 shows that an overwhelming majority of 261 respondents

representing 77% feel motivated by the training activities at Safaricom Call Center and

only 23% feel otherwise. This is significant because motivation generally seeks to boost

employee‘s morale to work hard and thus increase productivity.

4.6 Training and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

This section tries to validate the impact of training on the KPIs within the Safaricom Call

Center. Therefore, it was particularly targeted at 296 respondents representing about 87%

of the sample size. The new sample targets only the Call Center Agent (CEE). The

40
section looks the changes within the last 11 months for the three key KPIs which include

Call Quality (CQ), Service Request Quality (SRQ) and Adherence. Figure 4.9 below

show the average scores for the 296 respondents.

Figure 4.9 indicates the average scores of each KPI for the 296 respondent both before

and after training is done. Figure 4.9 is graphical presentation of the results.

Figure 4.9: Impact of Training on the KPIs

100.00%

95.00%

90.00%

85.00% Before Training

After Training
80.00%

75.00%

70.00%
Call Quality Service Request Adherence
Quality

Source: Author (2014)

Figure 4.9 represent the results of the finding. It can be visualized that CQ improved from

93.2% before training to 95.4% after the training. The respondents indicated that the

trainings they have improved their skills on the First Call Resolution (FCR), building

rapport with customers, troubleshooting and interpersonal skills among others.

SRQ also improved from 93.4% before training to 98.5% after the training. Respondents

indicated that training has enabled them to be able to identify the proper categorization of

41
customer issues, capture correct information for escalation, providing relevant and

prompt feedback among other.

Finally, adherence which is total time an agent is available or logged to service customer

per day has also improved from 82.1% before training to 95.7% after the training.

Respondents indicated that trainings on time management have majorly contributed to the

score.

4.7 Relationship between Training and Staff Development and Employee Performance

Table 4.6: Correlation

Measure of Training and Employee Performance

Coefficient Staff Development (Score out of 340)
Correlation

Training and Pearson Correlation 1 0.76

Staff Development Sig. (2-tailed)
N 20 0.001

Employee Pearson Correlation 0.76 1

Performance Sig. (2-tailed)
(Score out of 340) N 0.01 20

Source Author(2014)

From the Correlations table4.13, it can be seen that the correlation coefficient (r) equals

0.76, indicating a strong relationship between employee and training which is similar to

our findings at probability of p < 0.001 which indicates that the coefficient is

significantly different from 0. It can be concluded that there is evidence that training and

Staff Development has a direct relationship with employee performance (r = 0.76,

p<0.001)

42
4.8 Discussion of Findings

In terms of the demographic representation, female represented 54% while male 46%

meaning that Safaricom as an organization takes consideration of the gender balance as

stipulated in the Kenya Constitution while hiring staff. In terms of the levels of education,

the company hires competent staff with at least a tertiary level training. With regards to

the years of service, majority of the staff have been employed between 1 to 10 years this

implies a good employee retention system and also need for constant training and Staff

Development program to enhance their skills.

In terms of the quality of the training, majority of the rated it as excellent, very good or

good. This in turn is an indication of a training programme that has clear objectives,

relevant, clear means of delivery and which motivates the employees. Ordinarily as an

organization trains its staff on key operational initiatives, it is expected that skills,

competencies and job know how is developed. With training in place employees are able

to operate at optimum capacity which in turn translates into process efficiency, product

realization thus leading to improved revenue collections. Institutionalization of training

as a discipline where policies and procedure that are evaluated are in place, employees

are empowered towards their day to day works. Through these trainings staff gets a sense

of belonging, appreciated and share experience away from the working environment.

Given this scenario employees develop motivational stimulus that cuts across the entire

company. Finally well implemented training modules have customer care in built as a

standing agenda. This is because the importance of customer services cannot be over

emphasized in today‘s business. Training rationalizes employees to undertake their work

43
effectively and in a more efficient manner. In doing so services and products are

enhanced and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

It is also evident from the results that majority of the employees feel motivated to work

after training. This is significant because motivation generally seeks to boost employee‘s

morale to work hard and thus increase productivity. This finding is in line with Seligman

(1978).

Finally, the study attempted to establish a relationship between training and Staff

Development and individual performance. The findings are that many of the respondents

feel motivated by the training offered, and indeed performance has improved after the

training in terms of achievement of the KPIs and improvement of their job skills.

However, it was established that the respondents do not feel training has offered them

opportunity to identify potentials for further and personal Staff Development. This is in

line with the objectives stated in the staff training policy that opportunities will be given

to employees as necessary for more training and Staff Development program to improve

their role and performance to their duties. Armstrong (2003) all organizations are

concerned with what should be done to achieve sustainable high level of performance

through people. While Price (2005) states that managing employee performance every

day is the key to an effective performance improvement.

44
 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

The chapter provides the summary of the findings from chapter four, and it also gives the

conclusions and recommendations of the study based on the objective of the study. The

objective of this study was to determine the effect of training and Staff Development on

employees‘ performance at Safaricom Limited Call Centre.

5.2 Summary of Findings

Safaricom has over the past years been involved in training and Staff Development

activities for its Call Center employees. Data collected from interviews with the Group

Human Resource Manager and Talent Acquisition Manager, and Call Center employees

indicates that indeed training and Staff Development activities in Safaricom date back to

the early twenties when the organization was established. Thus training and Staff

Development activities have long been human resource management tools at Safaricom

even in the recent past.

The results and findings are is broadly in consistent with prior management literature on

training and Staff Development. The study attempted to establish a relationship between

training and Staff Development and individual performance. The findings are that many

of the respondents feel motivated by the training programme within the Call Center.

Clearly also, an overwhelming majority of respondents do believe that training has had a

positive effect on their performance and further agreed that training indeed had effect on

their job
45
skills. In addition, the results indicate that training programme quality were relevant and

consistent with the company‘s guideline and compulsory practice on training.

However, it was also established that the respondents do not feel that training has offered

them opportunity to identify potential for further Staff Development and progression

career within the department or to other departments within the organization.

5.3 Conclusion

On the whole, the study sought to investigate the effect of training and Staff

Development on employee performance using Safaricom Call Center as a case study and

findings and recommendations provided. Safaricom will need to take action to correct its

training and Staff Development activities, and make sure the processes involved are duly

followed.

The findings of this research indicated that Safaricom Call Center‘s nature of work

depends mainly on market and customer dynamics, modern technology as well as new

and varied products and services. This makes continuous training and Staff Development

of its human resource crucial and vital, taking into consideration the rapid customer

satisfaction, net promoter score and competition from other telecommunication

companies. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that Safaricom certainly has

a well-established policy to invest in the training and Staff Development of employees,

however the processes involved are not being duly followed. Employees who realized the

need for change of attitude and want to develop themselves through formal education in

order to be abreast with modern technological advances sponsored have themselves to

acquire these skills.

46
5.4 Recommendations

Many organizations have come to the realization of the importance of the role of training

and Staff Development programs as it increases the organization‘s staff efficiency, skills

and productivity. In order to achieve the benefits of training initiative, Safaricom should

ensure that the following are instituted at the work place.

First, identification of training needs should be done more professionally in conjunction

with the line manager as well as the individuals involved together with the HR personnel.

Everyone involved should agree exactly to what the trainees are lacking, for instance

what skill is needed, and what attitudes need to be changed toward work performance.

The need identified should emanate from Safaricom strategic plan, which also cover

departmental/sectional/teams and individual plans.

Secondly, Safaricom should see learning, training and Staff Development as well as

training‘s objectives, plan, implementation and evaluation as a continuous process for

organizational Staff Development and survival. Organizational career planning involves

matching an individual‘s career aspirations with the opportunities available within the

organization.

Thirdly, for career management to be successful in Safaricom, both the management and

employees must assume equal share of the responsibility for it. Employees must identify

their aspirations and abilities, and through counseling recognize what training and Staff

Development needs are required for a particular career information and training to its

47
employees. Staff Development and succession planning will also play a great role. Career

progressions projection plans and training and Staff Development projections should be

made available to each employee.

Motivation generally seeks to boost employees‘ morale to work hard and thus increase

productivity. It is with this that the researcher wishes to recommend that in instituting

proper training and Staff Development programs, Safaricom should initiate policy for

motivation attached to training. Motivation include both extrinsic, such as more pay,

allowance, fringe benefits, and intrinsic such as recognition, appreciation, acceptance by

fellow workers, opportunities for promotion, career Staff Development and consultation

for important matters. Morale on the other hand increases productivity indirectly by

reducing absenteeism, accidents, employee turnover and grievances. This means that the

workforce can never develop in an organization where there is low morale and lack of

motivation because motivation as these leads to job satisfaction, which in turn leads to

Staff Development.

Finally, it is vital to monitor and evaluate training in order to assess its effectiveness in

producing the learning outcomes specified when the training intervention is planned, and

to indicate where improvements or changes are required to make the training even more

effective. The basis upon which each category of training is to be evaluated should be

determined at the planning stage while considering how the information required to

evaluate learning events would be obtained and analyzed.

48
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Armstrong .M (2003); Human Resource Management practice 8 Edition London
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Fletcher C Bradley C and Cunningham –Snell (1998) the psychometric properties of 360

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 nd
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52
 APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE

Based on the trainings you have received at Safaricom Limited so far, please fill in

answers to all the questions below. Be as honest as possible .All information given will

be strictly confidential .All data collected is for academic purpose only. Please do not

write your name or employment number

Section A: General Information

1. What is your position? ...............................................................

2. What is your gender?

(a) Female

(b) Male

3. How long have you worked for Safaricom

(a) Less than 1 year

(b) 1-5 years

(c) 6- 10years

(d) More than 10 years

4. Have you undergone the following training conducted at Safaricom? Tick

appropriately

Training Title Yes No

Communication
Skills:
Objective: Excellent listening skills, Passing of
information to the customers in the correct mannerism
i.e tone of voice and pace ensuring full understanding
by the customer of solutions offered.

Products and
Services
Training
Objective: to be able to offer needed solutions to

i
 customers in the shortest time possible
Systems
Training:
Objective: Ease of navigation enabling the customer
care agent to capture customer issues and provide
solutions faster

Customer
Experience
Programs:
Objective: To be in the customer‘s shoes and be of
needed assistance.
Relationship Management:
Objective: Customer retention and business growth
through excellent customer service.

Section B: Effectiveness of training and Staff Development

5. How will you rate the quality of the training programs for which you

have Participated?

Poor Average Good Very Good Excellent

6. The training received is relevant to your work?

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Disagree Disagree

7. In your opinion, do you think training has helped improve your job performance?

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

Disagree Disagree

ii
8. Would you require further training for motivation towards performance improvement

to enable you contribute to increased productivity?

a) Yes ( ) b) No ( )

If ―yes‖ to the question above, please provide reasons as to why below.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………

9. What problems do you face with regard to training and Staff Development within your

organization?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………

10. Please specify any ways you think training and Staff Development in your

organization can be improved.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………

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 Section C: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Indicate how the various customer management trainings has affected your performance

based on the sets target KPIs on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5-Exceptional, 4-Exceed

Expectation, 3-Good, 2-Inconsistent and 1-Poor. (Put an X where applicable)

Performance before Training Performance after Training

Training program 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Call Quality:

Opening greetings
and call closure

Rapport with the
customer

Troubleshooting and
resolution.
Service Request Quality:

Proper categorization
of customer issue

Correct information
captured

Resolution and
customer feedback
Adherence:

Availability of the
customer care agent
to assist customers,
taking breaks when
scheduled.

Thank you.

iv