Question

Give some reasons why on-the-job training (OJT) can prove ineffective? What can be done to ensure its effectiveness?

Hi Expert! Can you help please? I'm looking for an original answer to this question. I've sent this same question 2 times and I have not received an original answer both times, I've received the same exact answer both times. Please help....Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

OJT involves the new or inexperienced employees learning during the work by observing the manager and colleague. OJT is given the work settings itself instead of separate classrooms. The main reason for OJT to be ineffective is that OJT is informal and the training is given by the managers and peers who may not use same method for completing a process. Their way of work can be different based on their skills and habit and there are chances of bad habits being passed on to the trainee. They may not understand the importance of demonstration, practice, and feedback in effective training as they are not professional trainers. Hence this kind of training may lead to poorly trained employees, employees who use ineffective or dangerous methods to produce the product or service, and it may vary the quality of products or service.

OJT can be made effective by ensuring structured approach. OJT can be successful based on the principles of social learning theory which includes use of a credible trainer, manager or peer who models the behavior or skills, communication of specific key behaviors, practice, feedback and reinforcement.

An effective OJT program includes

• a policy statement that describes the purpose of OJT and emphasizes the company’s support for it,
• a clear specification of who is accountable for conducting OJT and make OJT as part of their performance evaluation,
• thorough review of OJT practices at other companies in the industry,
• training the managers and peers in the principle of structured OJT,
• availability of lesson plans, checklists, procedure manuals, training manuals, and progress report forms for the use of employees who conduct OJT
• evaluation of employees' level of basic skills before OJT.

The companies can ensure effectiveness by ensuring the same.