Management training programmes: the influence of managerial status, gender and age on learning effectiveness

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of managerial status, gender and age on learning effectiveness of managers in work organizations. The ex-post-facto research design was adopted for the study. A total of 110 respondents participated in the study. The data for the study were collected using a set of questionnaire titled Managerial Status and Behavioural Scale (MSBS) and Learning Effectiveness Scale (LES). The findings of the study revealed that managerial status had significantly influenced learning effectiveness. Also, old managers learn more than the young manager on psychological issues, such as stress management, workers motivation and career development. Male managers were found to be more responsive to learning in management training programmes. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that management training programmes that gear towards occupational stress, conflict management, and other managerial skills should be organized for all levels of workers on continuous basis in order to enable them adapt to environmental changes that tend to impact organization. Also, old managers should be retained since they possesses a wealth of knowledge required for mentoring of junior workers and are receptive to learning the very aspect of leadership that tend to enhance effectiveness of modern organizations.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 14(2) 2006: 189-204