Technical staff's conception of training and development and its influence on performance: the case of University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Appropriate, efficient and effective staff training and development programmes have the tendency to enhance work performance in an organisation. The study analysed technical staffs' conception of training and development (T&D) and its influence on work performance in the University of Cape Coast. The mixed methods approach was used to collect data from 195 respondents. The study found that T&D programmes promoted peer learning, sharpened the skills of the technical staff, contributed to improved competencies and productivity. The study largely confirmed results from prior studies that providing training opportunities for staff improved performance and productivity. However, implementation challenges affect the effectiveness of training and development efforts, especially when staff resume work after training. The implication is that a combination of enhanced T&D programmes with stakeholder participation, provision of adequate logistics and other factors are essential for improved performance.