THE ROLE OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS IN TANZANIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES: A CASE OF KIGAMBONI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research assessed the role of training needs assessment in developing effective training programs within Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania, with a case of Kigamboni Municipal Council. The study adopted Human Capital Theory that helps to assess the role of TNA on developing effective training programs, to identify challenges of TNA execution and suggest techniques to improve TNA process. A mixed research approach was adopted that included quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected from 341 respondents, including training manager, heads of department and other employees using documents review, interview and questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and thematic analysis. The findings from the study revealed that TNA is very essential in strengthening the effectiveness of training programs, aligning training with organizations objectives and identifying the skill gap as well as improving the performance of employees. Nevertheless, there are some challenges that hinder the effectiveness of TNA process such as resources limitations, time limit, lack of stakeholder’s involvement, poor methodology of collecting data and employee’s resistance. The study revealed some techniques to improve the TNA process such as allocating adequate resources, adopting suitable data collection techniques and increasing stakeholders’ involvement. The study concluded that effective TNA is very essential for creating training programs that influences service delivery and workforce competence in LGAs. The study recommends for investing in capacity building for TNA, structures TNA practices and to consider TNA as primary condition for developing effective training programs. Furthermore, these findings provide a proper insight for LGA administrators, policymakers and human resource officers who aim to strengthen public service delivery and improve workforce competences.