THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT DURING COVID-19

Abstract

The outbreak of Covid-19 resulted in major strategic issues for organizations. The sweeping changes experienced during the pandemic hindered the ability of organizations to achieve the primary goal of profit maximization and cost minimization. In response, organizations adapted and embraced the new-normal using tried and tested practices and procedures such as Training and development (T&D). Therefore, this research examined the effectiveness of T&D during Covid-19. Thematic analysis of secondary data was carried out. Data was collected based on a six-step thematic analysis framework which entailed generating codes and discerning themes. The findings based on the themes in the literature showed that T&D was effective in allowing organizations to teach new skills and knowledge to employees. It was also found that T&D was effective as a compliance tool toward official guidelines and mandates on social distancing, mask-wearing and lockdown orders. The themes in the literature also demonstrated that T&D was effective in enabling employees and organizations to acclimatise to a new normal. It was also found that T&D was effective in improving communication between employees and organizations during Covid-19. The themes in the literature also showed that T&D promoted knowledge and skills acquisition for employees to work remotely. In addition, it was found that T&D improved employee engagement and stakeholder engagement for organizations. Ultimately, the themes in the literature also pointed out that T&D also improved employee health and wellbeing during Covid-19. The findings are reflected in the major body of literature on how T&D impacts employee and organizational performance. However, the study had some limitations such as the reliance on secondary data to answer the research questions. In addition, the sample size used in the appraisal of the themes in the literature is limited because Covid-19 is relatively recent and does not possess an extensive legacy of literature.