The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas, the subsidiary of the Opel car manufacturer in Greece, with regard to the training they…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas, the subsidiary of the Opel car manufacturer in Greece, with regard to the training they receive from their employer.
Design/methodology/approach
It explains that the conclusions are based on the responses of 114 employees and trainees to a survey at Opel’s 22 largest dealers in Greece.
Findings
It reveals that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed positively by most employees.
Practical implications
It indicates that GM Hellas could make greater use of online training, which is both popular and cost-effective.
Social implications
It highlights how staff development is contributing to the performance of a company that is flourishing, despite the severe economic downturn in Greece.
Originality/value
Emphasizes the importance of in-company training for business growth and competitiveness.
Details
Keywords
Vasiliki Brinia and Konstantinos Pefanis
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas (the subsidiary of Opel car manufacturer in Greece), with regards to the training they receive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas (the subsidiary of Opel car manufacturer in Greece), with regards to the training they receive from their employer. More specifically, the research seeks to examine two types of training aspects: those related to the principles of adult education and those related to the business goals of the company, such as the improvement on trainees' qualifications and skills, the need to upgrade trainees' job prospects, the provision of knowledge on recent technological developments.
Design/methodology/approach
The research took place in 2012, the 4th consecutive year of recession in Greece (since the beginning of the 2008 debt crisis); it investigates a business sector which has been hit very hard due to falling consumer demand for cars. Therefore, the time and context of this research makes it almost unique in its field. The research followed a quantitative approach (questionnaires administered to a sample of 114 employees/trainees).
Findings
The researchers concluded that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed in a very positive light by its employees. Several training aspects considered important in adult education, as well as some business goals achieved through training, were all very favorably evaluated.
Originality/value
In‐company training is a key factor for business growth and competitiveness. This is the first research of business education in the automotive sector in Greece, which is very important in the Greek economy.