Training Need Analysis in the Organizations: An Assessment in Terms of Data Collection Methods

Abstract

Training and development functions gain a more important position in the organisations day by day. Training need analysis plays a key role in structuring and applying the training processes. When the approaches of need analysis are examined, it is observed that common titles like subject and reason of the need, target groups, and reporting exist in many approaches. The data collection methods which are used for need analysis show differences according to the approach adopted. In this study, the aim is to examine the training need analysis in terms of two different methods. For this purpose, training need analysis was performed with two different approaches, and the results have been compared in terms of the perception of the participants. The study was performed with the employees from different layers of the organization with the qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group study, and the quantitative method like questionnaire, and tests. The questionnaire, interview and focus group study that are defined as the classical methods were used in the first study; and a psychometric test that is defined as modern method was used in the second study; and then the results from both analysis were compared. No prominent difference was found between these methods according to perceptions of the participants in the study.