Meaning and Definition of Training
Human resource management has various functions such as manpower planning, recruitment, selection, compensation, etc. but training is one of the most important functions of human resource management. Training can be defined as the systematic attempt to enhance the specific skills, desired behaviour, and knowledge of employees which are necessary for performing a job effectively. Employee training begins soon after the orientation process. It is for a short time period and it is for non-managerial personnel. It is essential for the growth of the organisation as well as for the employees.
Features of Training
Features of training are as follows:
Specific Dimensions: Training is the procedure which has clear and definite dimensions. It has a well-defined beginning and end points. Training activities are organised in such a manner that there is a noticeable progressive movement and development of the process itself. All the activities in the training process are coordinated in a cordial way.
Planned Sequence of Events: Training is a planned series of activities that make it possible for the trainees to do things which they have not done before. The whole process is supported by the programme that has certain learning objectives.
Makes Optimal Use of Opportunities for Learning: It can also be viewed as the process of providing ample opportunities for the employees to learn and grow. It aims to enhance the enthusiasm of the employees by polishing their skills to do a particular task.
Promotes Behavioural Changes: Training helps in bringing a positive change in the behaviour of employees by imparting special skills and helping them to perform better. It helps in improving the quality of the social and personal life of employees, which enhances their work quality and leads to self-improvement. Thus, it expands its area of applicability much wider than the work environment.
Enhancing Capabilities: Training is not only restricted to acquiring a particular skill for doing a particular assigned task, but at the same time it is also related to the development of the overall capabilities to Inanage the complex situations and problems. A trainee should be aware about how to develop and adapt capabilities, by using his wisdom, to accomplish the given task efficiently.
Exploring the Inner Self: The most important aspect of the training is that it not only improves the existing skills but also explores the hidden talent within the employees and motivates them to perform well. It makes the employees aware about their strengths and weaknesses. It also aims to help the employees to overcome their weaknesses, and leads to self-development and growth.
Removes Mental Blocks: Training helps in clearing the doubts and insecurities of trainees about their job so that they can put their best possible effort to make maximum utilisation of their potential and abilities.
Gives Intended as well as Unintended Results: Training helps not only in achieving those benefits which are expected but sometimes it also yields many benefits which are not intentionally meant to be achieved. The benefits from the training may vary from organisation-to-organisation and individual-to-individual depending upon the type of training.
Establishes Relationship between Theory and Practice: Training makes it possible for the trainees to link the acquired theoretical knowledge and practical application of their knowledge. Training facilitates this by making the employees aware of the methods through which they can apply their learned capabilities to their work.
Scope of Training
The concept of training has a very broad scope and thus covers variety of areas. Some of them are as follows:
Training in Company Policies and Procedures: When new employees are appointed in any company, the first Step taken by management is to familiarise them With the culture of the organisation. The customs of the company include the rules and regulations to be followed, the people they have to work with, their superiors, colleagues, working environment. etc. But the drawback of this training is that it may not have any Impact on the development of an employee’s ability to speed-up the organisational process.
Training in particular Skills: Training in particular skills mainly focuses on the development of any specific ability of an employee related to his job. For example, induction training to newly recruited candidates in sales, production or mechanical skills, etc. The main purpose of providing this training is to ensure a significant performance of an individual by making him proficient.
Training in Human Relations Skills: This training has a great positive impact both on the individuals and on the organisation. This training process focuses on treating employees as human beings not as machines, and tries to mould their outlook and behaviour in such a way that the working conditions can be improved and made comfortable. This training not only helps the employees in enhancing their interpersonal skills and self-learning ability, but also their efficiency, which in turn Inaximises the productivity of the organisation.
Training in Problem-Solving Skills: As the name suggests, this training is used to solve various organisational problems. Many organisations follow this training concept under which all the managers and supervisors of different departments or branches are called upon at a particular place to discuss about the concerned problems and their solutions. When they all come together they not only try to search out for the best solution but also exchange their ideas and viewpoints which may prove out to be beneficial for the organisation in the future.
Training in Managerial and Supervisory Skills: If an organisation hires people for supervisory or managerial posts, obviously the management will prefer those candidates who have a particular set of skills required for that post. Technical and theoretical knowledge are mandatory for the position of managers. That is why several companies provide training to the employees on basic management functions which include planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. Besides that, the people enlisted for the post of supervisors are given training on operation management, research and development, finance, manufacturing and human resources management, etc.