EXECUTIVE LEADERS’ PERCEPTIONS REGARDING TRAINING PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Executive leaders’ perceptions regarding training programs and performance outcomes. Doctor of Education (Executive Educational Leadership), May 15, 2021, Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas. The purpose of this study was to examine executive leaders’ perceptions of training program selections regarding the impact of the training programs on performance outcomes in a local governmental agency in Texas. The significance of the research explores the need to analyze the selected training programs to ensure that the training received by employees is commensurate with organizational goals, objectives, and expectations. When operational goals are not met, there is a negative impact on the organization and customer satisfaction (Richardson, 2014). Outcomes can be viewed as simple or complex where simple outcomes may be observed, and complex outcomes can be multi-faceted in any regard, both are relevant to determine outcomes (Rossi, Lipsey, & Freeman, 2004). In this descriptive study, the researcher used the qualitative research methodology of phenomenology to explore and better understand the perceptions of executive leaders regarding the impact of training programs and operational outcomes. The participants in this study included seven executive team leaders, 10 managers and supervisors, and ten operational level employees. A Likert-scale was used to collect data from the executive leaders and the supervisor/manager participants. Executive team leaders and supervisor/managers participated in focus group interviews. Operational level employee participants were invited to complete a survey. Based on the findings of this study, concepts could be discovered for future implementation. Keywords: executive level leaders, strategic planning, decision-making processes, organizational culture and learning, performance measurement, other potential factors