Perceived importance as a mediator of the relationship between training assignment and training motivation

TLDR

The study investigates whether employees’ perceived importance of training mediates the link between training assignment (mandatory vs voluntary) and training motivation. Data were collected from 184 employees across 18 banks in Northern Taiwan who completed questionnaires at the start and midpoint of government‑sponsored training programs. Results show that mandatory training boosts motivation, as employees who perceive training as essential to organizational goals report higher motivation than volunteers.

Abstract

In this study, we examined whether employees’ perceived importance of the training program would be one variable that mediates the relationship between training assignment and training motivation. Data were collected from 184 employees belonging to 18 banks who attended government‐sponsored training programs in Northern Taiwan. Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires: one at the beginning of the training program and the other at the middle. Results supported our hypothesis and showed that, compared to those who were volunteers, the employees who attended the training on a mandatory basis had a higher motivation for training. Moreover, organizations that force their employees to attend a given training program send out a clear message to employees that such training is important. As employees perceive the training to be central to the achievement of organizational objectives, their training motivation increases.