Relationship between Training and Employees’ Work Performance in the Sultan Qaboos University: Mediating Effects of Personality Dimensions

Abstract

The higher education industry in the Sultanate of Oman was severely affected by the measures taken to stem the wave of COVID-19. Specifically, in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), training and development process has become a controversial issue that requires attention. This study evaluates the influence of training on employee work performance through personality dimensions as a mediator among the SQU employees. As a result, using the Partial lest square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) nine hypotheses were formulated on the background of 4 independent variables (training commitment, training content, training needs, and training evaluation), one mediating variable (personality dimensions) and one dependent variable (employee work performance). A quantitative cross sectional study using a deductive approach and causal research design was applied. The bootstrapping approach to testing mediation effect was utilized with the decision tree. From the results gotten, all the direct effect hypotheses (i.e., H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5) were supported except H2. The results of the mediation analysis indicated that the link between by training commitment (TCM), training needs (TND), training evaluation (TEV) and employee work performance (EWP) were partially mediated by personality dimensions (PDN). While on the other hand the link between training content (TCN) and employee work performance (EWP), was fully mediated by personality dimensions (PDN). Therefore, these results supported hypotheses H6, H7, H8 and H9.