The Influence of Training & Development on the Performance of administrative staff in selected private universities in Rubaga Division. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background.

The investigation was motivated by persistent concerns about low staff productivity, inadequate training practices, and limited alignment between HR systems and institutional performance needs. This study examined the influence of Training & Development on the performance of administrative staff in private universities in Rubaga Division.

 Methodology.

A correlational and cross-sectional survey design was employed, complemented by qualitative interviews and documentary review to provide contextual insights. The target population comprised 150 staff members from four private universities, from which a sample of 108 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s Table. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and review of institutional records. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

 Results.

Respondents were predominantly in the 30–39 age group (35%), mostly male (55%), and largely degree holders (50%). Findings on training and development indicated moderate but insufficient training programs (overall mean ≈ 2.90–3.10). Employee performance was generally low across all indicators, with mean scores below 2.00, particularly in task completion, adaptability, initiative, and communication. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between recruitment (r = 0.578), training and development (r = 0.552), retention (r = 0.563), and employee performance. Regression results confirmed that human resource planning predicted 47.9% of the variance in performance (Adjusted R² = 0.468), with recruitment (β = 0.325), training and development (β = 0.298), and retention (β = 0.274) emerging as significant predictors.

 Conclusion.

Universities should allocate resources to regular training workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs aimed at improving communication, ICT skills, problem-solving, and administrative efficiency.

 Recommendation

Training and development were positively correlated with employee performance, signifying that continuous professional development, skills enhancement, and capacity-building initiatives improve administrative staff effectiveness and productivity.