Chapter One: General Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study Training and development programs are essential for enhancing employee job performance and preparing them for future roles. In today’s business environment, one of the most significant challenges is the continuous need to update and develop employee knowledge. Human resources are a critical factor in any organization’s success, making it imperative for management to provide effective training for employees to improve their performance and, consequently, that of the organization.

This study aims to explore whether employee growth and performance have a significant impact on organizational performance. The banking sector in Cameroon, for instance, has faced challenges due to insufficient training and development, leading to the premature closure of many banks. This gap is attempted to be filled by microfinance institutions, which, however, struggle due to limited capital and other challenges, making it hard for them to compete with established foreign entities. Training is crucial for achieving organizational goals, as it aligns employee interests with those of the organization, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

The study aims to understand the impact of training and development on employee performance within an organization, considering the assertion that training is a key factor in the healthcare sector’s performance (Iftikhar Ahmad and Siraj-ud-din, 2009). The neglect of employee training by managers in Africa, including Cameroon, has led to a lack of sufficient training and experience, which hampers employee performance. This research will focus on how training and development can improve employee and organizational performance.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Despite the recognized importance of training and development in improving employee performance and productivity, many businesses in Cameroon neglect this tool. The labor force’s efficiency and effectiveness are major contributors to a company’s success and the economic growth of the country. This research aims to further investigate the area of employee training and development, which is a critical element in achieving organizational goals and objectives.

The study will examine the situation in Cameroon, where there is a high turnover and little commitment to employee training, especially in smaller organizations due to limited capital. The NFC Bank, one of Cameroon’s largest banks, will serve as a case study to review the status of employee training and development in the country.

1.3 Research Questions

The research seeks to address the following questions:

Main Research Question:

• Does training and development of employees have an impact on their performance in a business or organization?

Specific Research Questions:

1. What is the influence of job training as a tool on employee performance in NFC BANK Buea?
2. What is the effect of training design as a tool on employee performance in NFC BANK Buea?

1.4 Research Objective

1.4.1 Main Objective

The main objective of this study is to assess training and development as tools to enhance organizational performance in the banking sector, specifically NFC BANK BUEA.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of this research are:

• To assess the influence of job training as a tool to enhance employee performance in NFC BANK Buea.
• To assess the effect of training design as a tool to enhance employee performance in NFC BANK Buea.

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypotheses of this study are stated in the null form:

• H0: Job training programs have no significant impact on employee performance.
• H0: Training design programs have no significant impact on employee performance.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is manifold. It will not only benefit the organization by highlighting the importance of employee training on performance and efficiency, but it will also serve as an academic requirement for the researcher’s bachelor’s degree in accounting. Furthermore, it will provide the researcher with valuable insights into human resource management and the importance of training and development for future managerial or accounting roles.

1.6.1 Significance to the Organisation

• The study will enlighten the organization on the importance of training for employee performance and efficiency.
• It will assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives.

1.6.2 Significance to the Researcher

• The research fulfills academic requirements for the researcher’s degree.
• It enhances the researcher’s knowledge in employee training and development.
• It provides insights into human resource management.
• It prepares the researcher for future managerial and accounting roles by understanding the importance of employee development.