IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ON LABOUR PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE SRI LANKA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Abstract

The study's main objective is to determine the impact of training and development on labor performance. The study used a mixed method, applying primary and secondary data sources. The primary data was collected from Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority through a self- administered questionnaires which were distributed to 91 employees of all management levels, management assistants and primary categories through a stratified sampling technique and a selected group of respondents was interviewed individually. The demographic characteristics of the respondents as well as the dependent and independent variables were described using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The relationship between independent and dependent variables was assessed using inferential statistics like simple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The findings indicated that training and development were positively correlated and claimed a statistically significant relationship with labour performance. The study concluded that training and development have a positive effect on labour performance. While off-the-job training supports longer-term performance improvements by contributing to broader skill development and knowledge enhancement, on-the-job training directly improves immediate task performance and practical skills. To maintain high work performance, the researcher suggested to top management and other training coordinators to monitor staff training and review program results to develop targeted training programs..