Challenges in the evaluation process of training and development programmes in public universities in Saudi Arabian higher education

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the challenges faced during the training and development (T&D) evaluation process from the point of view of faculty members and HR managers in Saudi Arabian public universities, and to examine the influence of these challenges on the effectiveness of T&D programmes in public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research using semi-structured interviews to determine the challenges faced during T&D evaluation was employed. Participants included faculty members (n = 23) and senior managers (n = 05) working in four public universities in Saudi Arabia. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

The outcome highlights the challenges faced during the T&D evaluation process: a lack of performance measurement and role ambiguity H.R.M. practices. Finally, this study aims to investigate how do these challenges influence the higher education sector.

Originality/value

To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to explore challenges within the T&D evaluation process in Saudi Arabian higher education. The results should therefore broaden the scope of the available literature and fill a research gap, particularly regarding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of Nations.

Citation

Othayman, M.B., Mulyata, J., Meshari, A. and Debrah, Y. (2022), "Challenges in the evaluation process of training and development programmes in public universities in Saudi Arabian higher education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 206-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-04-2021-0121