Training practices of multinational companies in Asia
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore a range of training practices adopted by multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Asia. It investigated the level of training expenditure, the nature of training programs offered and the concerns about training in MNCs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained through a survey of 529 MNCs operating in six Asian countries to examine the average cost spent on training and the type of training programs offered to different groups of employees. The respondents were also asked to indicate their perceptions on the training provided and how effective the training has on firm performance.
Findings
It appears that MNCs invested significantly in training. Training was found to be more widespread in service organisations than manufacturing organisations operating in Asia. The majority of training emphasised managerial and professional staff development; and was generally conducted externally. Respondents were concerned mainly with the quality and relevance of training programs offered externally.
Originality/value
The results provide MNCs, especially those headquartered in European and other Western countries with insights into designing and offering more relevant and better quality training programs to their employees located in Asian subsidiaries.
Keywords
Citation
Zheng, C., Hyland, P. and Soosay, C. (2007), "Training practices of multinational companies in Asia", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 31 No. 6, pp. 472-494. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590710772659
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited