Performance variation, training, and outcome in SE-Asian manufacturing sector.

Abstract

Despite the volume of training provided across Malaysian industries, personal capacity in human capital still causing inefficiencies at the work place. Managers complain that trained staff does not show improvement in performance in the post-training stage. This study examines post-training effectiveness and applications of new skills acquired through training and the relationship between training and development and degree of job competency and quality of work. A mixed model was applied, which comprised of quantitative and qualitative interviews with both trainees, trainers, and human resources personnal incharge of training programs. Data was collected from 20 manufactorers and interview with open ended questions were conducted with 20 trainees and 5 trainers. Findings shows that cultural reasons attributed to lack of capacity in Malaysian human capital. This is attributed to workers nature of work ethics, Asian value of “show of face” or “loss of face”, lack of common sense reflected in lack of worker’s ability to react to instructions effectively, fear of making mistakes, lack of sense of urgency in execution of instructions, and lack of reliability. All of which, contribute to the overall competitiveness of worker in relation to other workers around the world.