PREDICTIVE POWER OF SELF-EFFICACY, FAMILIARITY WITH TRAINING CONTENT ON JOB PERFORMANCE: MODERATING EFFECT OF TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS IN OMAN’S HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman have witnessed rapid development over the last decade; and yet, the quality of their training programs programmes has not yielded the anticipated results. The desired outcome, which failed to meet expectations, pertains to the effectiveness of these programs in enhancing employee job performance. This study aims to investigate the influence of self- efficacy, trainee familiarity with training content and employees’ performance in Oman’s higher education sector. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effect of training effectiveness on employee’s performance. The researcher examined 184 academics as well as administrative employees that participated in a training program sponsored by Takatuf, a consulting firm responsible for assessing, training, and developing employees in Oman. Results indicated that self-efficacy and familiarity with training content contribute to high employee job performance in the country’s HEIs, confirming the significant moderating role of training effectiveness in this relationship. Furthermore, the study suggests two implications for human resource practices. First, it is crucial for managers to provide comprehensive training-related information aimed at increasing self- efficacy before the actual training program. Second, HR managers and individuals can jointly improve the performance effectiveness by creating suitable methods for fostering self-efficacy. The findings suggest that organizations can enhance job performance and reduce turnover intention intentions by improving the effectiveness of training programs for employees. There is limited research linking self-efficacy, training effectiveness, and job performance in HEIs, particularly within member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This research contributes to the expansion of theoretical and managerial doctrines regarding the relationships among the identified variables. Therefore, this research represents a unique attempt to determine the effectiveness of training programs in HEIs grappling with transitional challenges.