Assessing the readiness of companies operating in Malta to using innovative digital training and development programmes

Abstract

The training and development area has experienced several changes in the previous decade with the introduction of e-Learning. However, e-Learning is not achieving the expected results. Hence, innovative tools such as Serious Games and Social Media are being applied to training and development programmes in order to fill in the gap between the learner and the training dynamics. This study aims to identify why organisations operating in Malta have not yet started adopting serious games and social media in their training and development programmes and to identify whether these organisations are prepared for such a change. Moreover, the study aims to identify the factors that are keeping companies back from adopting these tools. In order to achieve the aims, a qualitative approach was adopted. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with Human Resources and Training managers from organisations in the IT, Gaming, Finance, Consultancy and Telecommunications industries. The general findings of this study show that these tools are not yet adopted by companies operating in Malta since organisations do not feel an urgent need to switch their training programmes, since these are yielding the desired results. Moreover, the larger organisations tend to find resistance from top management. The findings suggest that the organisations operating in Malta do not seem to be early adopters of innovation when it comes to training and development needs. Overall organisations are ready to adopt these tools but require some adjustments such as reducing resistance from employees, and by reducing barriers which are hampering further improvement of the training and development function.