The Influence of Training and Development Programme on Staff Performance: A Case of Tanzania Revenue Authority in the Coast Region

Abstract

Training and development programmes play a crucial role in enhancing staff performance within an organization. These programmes are designed to improve employees’ knowledge, skills, and abilities, ultimately leading to increased productivity, efficiency, and overall organizational success. One of the primary reasons why training and development programmes are crucial for staff performance is that they contribute to the enhancement of employees’ skills and knowledge. Through targeted training initiatives, employees can acquire new skills, stay updated with industry best practices, and gain a deeper understanding of their roles within the organization. It is in this context, this study assessed the influence of training and development program on staff performance: a case of Tanzania Revenue Authority, coast region. The study focused on three specific objectives including to identify existing practice of training and development programmes offered by TRA coast region, to determine whether training and development programmes have effects on employees’ performance at TRA coast region and to investigate the current challenges the TRA coast region experiences in training it employees. The study was done at TRA Coast region where by a sample of 92 respondents from the population of 120 senior and operational employees who randomly and stratified sampled participated. The study was guided by transformative learning theory. Descriptive research design was employed. Questionnaires and interview questions were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis.  Findings suggest that on-the-job training at TRA allows employees to acquire specific job- related skills in a real work environment. Through engaging in actual tasks and responsibilities under the guidance of experienced mentors or supervisors, employees can develop a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities, Findings further suggest that off-the-job training opportunities have played a significant role in enhancing employees’ overall professional development at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). It was revealed from the study that TRA is relevant to employees’ job responsibilities, and that the feedback received during on-the-job training is constructive while training and positively impacted employees’ job performance.   Findings revealed that off-the-job training opportunities enhanced employees’ overall professional development. The study concludes that on-the-job training programmes at TRA are relevant to employees’ job responsibilities, and for that case the feedback received during on- the-job training is constructive. The study also concluded that induction training provided by TRA Coast Region adequately familiarizes new employees with organizational policies and procedures. It was recommended that the management of TRA should continue investing in training and development programmes since Training and development programmes leads to improved employee performance by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties effectively.