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Book part
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Victor Yawo Atiase, David Sarpong, Senyo Agbanyo and Johnson Kwesi Ameh

Organisational resilience is a strategic resource within the contingencies of organising in Small and Micro businesses (SMEs). In this regard, the notion of resilient human…

Abstract

Organisational resilience is a strategic resource within the contingencies of organising in Small and Micro businesses (SMEs). In this regard, the notion of resilient human capital in propelling a resilient organisation has come to dominate the contemporary discourse on the performance of SMEs. Drawing on human capital theory as a meta-theoretical lens, we examine the cumulative effect of managerial training on managers’ performance in the context of relatively underdeveloped institutions and markets. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data for our empirical inquiry comes from a survey of 506 Ghanaian SMEs operating in diverse sectors of the economy. Following SMEs being at the convergence point of resource constraint, we show why some firm managers are more likely to exhibit managerial resilience than those in other firms. Our data evidence suggests that targeted managerial training, in practice, has the potential to strengthen organisational resilience. Nevertheless, the content, efficiency and frequency of the training received, we argue, accounts for the differential performance of managers within the contingencies of everyday organising. We conclude by delineating some relevant implications of our study for the theory and practice of managerial resilience nurturing in organising.

Details

The African Context of Business and Society
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-853-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Victor Atiase, Yong Wang and Samia Mahmood

Training remains an important factor in developing the managerial effectiveness and capability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet there are concerns regarding the…

Abstract

Purpose

Training remains an important factor in developing the managerial effectiveness and capability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet there are concerns regarding the quality of training provided to SME managers in Ghana, hence the weak managerial capabilities observed in SME management. This study, therefore, examines the impact of managerial training on the effectiveness of SME managers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the human capital theory (Becker, 1962; Rosen, 1977), this study employs the variance-based estimating technique, partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in estimating the effects of training on the managerial effectiveness of SME managers. Adopting a stratified random sampling technique, the study uses primary data collected from 506 SMEs in Ghana to test 4 hypothesised paths.

Findings

First, the model result indicates that training accessibility and training content are statistically significant in explaining managerial effectiveness at a 1% level. However, both training efficiency and training frequency are statistically insignificant in explaining managerial effectiveness in Ghana. Second, while the industry category is found to influence the relationship between training and managerial effectiveness, gender, manager's age and education are insignificant in explaining any effects.

Research limitations/implications

Though the sample size is large, the findings from this study could not be generalised to the whole of Ghana since it is regionally based. The study could benefit immensely from a triangulated method where a qualitative dimension could provide deeper insight into some of the findings in this study.

Originality/value

Studies of this nature focussing on the managerial effectiveness of SME managers in the Ghanaian context is rare. This is one of the few studies in the Ghanaian research context which focuses on the capability development approach in the delivery of managerial training to SMEs.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Yee Ming Lee and Erol Sozen

The purpose of this paper is to compare restaurant managerial staff and employees’ attitudes toward food allergies, their food allergy knowledge and food allergy-related training.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare restaurant managerial staff and employees’ attitudes toward food allergies, their food allergy knowledge and food allergy-related training.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was administered through a market research company (Qualtrics® Inc.). A total of 110 managerial staff and 229 restaurant employees completed this questionnaire.

Findings

Most restaurants were willing to modify recipes for customers with food allergies. Respondents felt that the customers should be responsible for expressing their food allergy needs. Both groups were able to identify certain symptoms of allergic reactions to food but lacked knowledge of allergen-handling practices. The managerial staff and employees had knowledge differences about how to respond to an allergic reaction (p<0.001) and how to identify peanut derivatives on food labels (p<0.000). In total, 70 percent of the managerial staff indicated that they provided employee food allergy training but only 40 percent of employees indicated receiving such training. The managerial staff identified a lack of employee commitment and interest as barriers to training provision. However, the employees identified different reasons (i.e. it is unnecessary and not beneficial).

Practical implications

Restaurants should have policies in place to accommodative customers with food allergies and make sure food allergy-related information is communicated to their customers via different outlets (i.e. restaurants’ websites and printed menus). Food allergy training should be designed based on the areas that need improvement, as knowledge may differ based on the position in the restaurants (managerial staff vs employees) and types of the restaurants (quick service vs casual dining). Pragmatic strategies need to be identified to better encourage and motivate restaurant employees to attend a food allergy training.

Originality/value

Understanding the similarities and differences in attitudes, knowledge and training on food allergies between restaurant managerial staff and employees would help restaurants to plan and implement policies and training that best fit both managerial staff and employees.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1986

John B. Miner

The motivation to manage is a key factor influencing the energy and effort people bring to the job. A review of a training approach outlines action that can be taken.

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Abstract

The motivation to manage is a key factor influencing the energy and effort people bring to the job. A review of a training approach outlines action that can be taken.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2010

K. Skylar Powell and Serkan Yalcin

The purpose of this paper is to add to the significant contributions of past research by assessing what the overall effectiveness of managerial training has been over a period of…

7744

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the significant contributions of past research by assessing what the overall effectiveness of managerial training has been over a period of 50 years and by identifying changes in overall effectiveness during this time period. Additionally, this study aims to evaluate what the overall findings on the effectiveness of training has been based on study design and subgroups focusing on the equivalent of Kirkpatrick's famous learning, behavior, and results outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study quantitatively integrates and extends the literature on management training through a meta‐analytic procedure. The resulting sample of past research includes studies from the time period between 1952 and 2002, representing 85 interventions and 4,779 subjects.

Findings

The results do not suggest a great deal of improvement in the effectiveness of managerial training from 1952 through 2002 and effect sizes have remained moderate. Additionally, outcome subgroup appears to moderate results. Specifically, programs implemented to achieve learning outcomes tended to have the largest effect sizes and were consistently significant relative to programs targeted at behavior and results outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are directly related to the selection of evaluation methods for future studies assessing the effectiveness of managerial training programs. This implication is important to both the academic community and practitioners. The limitations of this study include the possible exclusion of past research and the heterogeneity of assessment methods used in past research, beyond the broad categories of objective and subjective assessment.

Originality/value

In addition to identifying the moderating effect of outcomes being measured, the main contribution of this study is that it covers a large time period. As a result, the analysis offers a more expanded view of managerial training over time.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Clinton O. Longenecker and Laurence S. Fink

This paper aims to explore why organizations often focus little attention and resources on management training and provides a useful checklist of ways to close the managerial

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore why organizations often focus little attention and resources on management training and provides a useful checklist of ways to close the managerial skills gap through training.

Design/methodology/approach

Seasoned managers (278) in rapidly changing organizations were surveyed on their experiences with management training.

Findings

A content analysis revealed the most frequently cited causes of why organizations fail to properly train their managers.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of these findings to non‐rapidly changing organizations may be limited.

Practical implications

Results indicate that organizations fail to properly train managers for a host of reasons. Many of failures to train are caused by misconceptions about training needs, the ability of managers to handle their own training or the value of training to the organization compared with other efforts. Lack of accountability and poor implementation are other key reasons cited for training failures.

Originality/value

The findings provide a useful list of the causes for ineffective training and the discussion focuses on ways to close the managerial skills gap.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

Mohammed I. Al‐Madhoun and Farhad Analoui

The economy of the Palestinian Territories (PT) is small, poorly developed, and highly dependent on Israel; at the same time, the land is limited, Israel controls 80‐85 per cent…

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Abstract

The economy of the Palestinian Territories (PT) is small, poorly developed, and highly dependent on Israel; at the same time, the land is limited, Israel controls 80‐85 per cent of the Palestinian water, and there is large‐scale unemployment. Faced with this situation, small and micro‐enterprises have come to play a critical role in the economy of the PT. Donors, the Palestinian Authority (PA), and UNRWA have recognised that many of the managers suffer from managerial weaknesses, and training is one of the long‐term keys to promote the development of small and micro‐enterprises and alleviate the problem of persistent unemployment in the PT. To support the peace agreement, the International Community promised to support the Palestinian economy. Part of this aid has been spent for small and micro‐enterprise development, and for establishing managerial training programmes. These programmes aim to encourage economic development of the PT, through supporting small business education and entrepreneurship training. These programmes suffered from various problems, such as lack of professional trainers, the majority of the managers did not attend the training programme courses, some of these programmesmissed funding. Therefore, some training programmes were closed during the last two years. On the other hand, the managers of small businesses still suffer from various managerial problems. However, this article presents a description of the current situation in PT. Especially, the economic and managerial situation, particularly for the SMEs and TPs in the PT.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2014

Harsh Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to compare the importance and performance of managerial training in India among different industrial sectors in the light of asynchronous industrial…

1929

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the importance and performance of managerial training in India among different industrial sectors in the light of asynchronous industrial growth in last two decades which has unevenly touched various business organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of analysis organizations are divided at two levels. At the first level, they are divided between multinational and Indian origin category and at the second level between service and manufacturing category. A 2×2 full factorial design with unequal numbers is used to analyze main as well as interaction impacts. A sample size of 542 is taken which comprises training professionals, top/general managers and trainee employees.

Findings

Study concludes that Indian origin organizations fall short in terms of importance given and performance of training function compared to multinational companies. Further, it is found that service companies have an edge over manufacturing companies in terms of importance and performance of training.

Research limitations/implications

Study is mainly focussed on large organizations in India and may not be representative of small organizations. The major implication is that Indian origin organizations as well as manufacturing organizations have to devote more time and financial resources to training to compete in the era of globalization.

Practical implications

It is implied from the findings that a concerted effort by training professionals in Indian and manufacturing companies is required to improve the content as well as image of the training function to get the due attention and resources within the organization.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original perspective on situation of training function in Indian organizations and will be of importance to training professionals and other stakeholders.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Mohammed I. Al‐Madhoun and Farhad Analoui

In recent years management training development has secured an increasingly important place in the life of the business managers. In the Arab countries, the management and…

2820

Abstract

In recent years management training development has secured an increasingly important place in the life of the business managers. In the Arab countries, the management and development efforts have largely been found to be somewhat inadequate and ineffective. Many management‐training programmes (MTPs), of an off‐the‐job nature, have been established in the Palestinian territories (PT), after the peace agreement, in order to find a solution for the apparent lack of managerial strength, especially amongst the small and micro‐enterprises (SMEs). Discusses the contribution of these programmes towards the development of these managers by dividing the managerial skills offered into three main categories. The primary data have been generated through a survey of the SME managers who have participated in management development training programmes in Palestine. The results of the study highlighted the question of the importance, interrelationship and interaction of managerial skills used for developing SMEs.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 8 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Julia Milner, Grace McCarthy and Trenton Milner

The demand for leaders to coach their employees is increasing as the benefits become more and more evident. However, little is known about the training managers have received in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The demand for leaders to coach their employees is increasing as the benefits become more and more evident. However, little is known about the training managers have received in coaching or what support is available/required from their organizations. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper encompassed a survey of 580 managers in Australian organizations with more than 200 employees. The authors used qualitative thematic analysis to examine the extensive free text answers.

Findings

The findings indicated that while some managers had received some form of training in coaching (30-40 percent, depending on training type), 40 percent of them expressed a desire for introductory and/or further training. The findings suggest that training should be tailored to the managerial context instead of a generic coaching training, with a more structured and coordinated approach to organizational coaching required.

Practical implications

Organizations could benefit from supporting managers with the following strategies: Why – Organizations need to explain clearly why a coaching leadership style is beneficial. How – Training can come in many forms from workshops to “on-the-job” learning. When – Managers want more insights into when and when not to use a coaching style. What – it should not be assumed that all leaders possess coaching skills but rather those coaching skills need to be acquired and developed.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into current training and support structures for “leadership coaching”, and suggests strategies to help managers to implement coaching as a leadership skillset.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

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