INFLUENCE OF GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF NOKIA NETWORKS KENYA

Abstract

Companies are investing heavily in training programs to ensure competitiveness in their respective markets and also to ensure continuity within their ranks. Many turn to fresh graduates who they can use to infuse new energy into their companies and also inculcate into company culture as a bet for their future performance. The purpose of this study was to research on the influence of graduate trainee programs on performance of employeeswith reference to Nokia Networks Kenya. The areas covered were the recruitment and selection methods, training and development methods and criteria for leadership development with an aim to identify which factors influence the performance of graduate trainees. Literature review was conducted to ascertain the best methods for recruitment, selection and training, as well as to discover the competencies identified as required for leadership development.The target population of the study was the employees of Nokia Networks Kenya who have served either as mentors or coaches to at least one Graduate Trainee of the Siemens, Nokia Siemens Networks or Nokia Networks Kenya graduate trainee programs since January 2007, as well as all employees of Nokia Networks who are currently or have been members of Graduate Trainee Programs since January 2007. This resulted in a sampling frame of 68 employees, as obtained from the HR records of Nokia Networks. From this a sample size of 61 was obtained by using a sample size calculator to achieve a confidence level of 95% with a margin of error of 4. Questionnaires were used to be able to come up with data on which to examine the influence of the Graduate Trainee Programs on performance The study aimed to answer the questions as to what influence the methods used to recruit, select, train and develop graduate trainees have an influence in the employees future performance in the organization.Data collected has beenanalysed both manually and by use of electronic methods using a data preparation grid. The utilization of structured grids allowed specific responses to be located with relative ease and facilitated the identification of emerging patterns. Descriptive analysis was used in analysing the collected data. Using descriptive analysis it was possible to calculate: the mean, frequency distribution and percentage analysis of the study.The study recommended that Coaches and Mentors of Trainee programs should be trained on their role before being appointed. Also, trainee programs should focus on equipping the trainees with practical skills that can be used in their day to day work rather than just imparting theoretical knowledge. Finally, the study recommended that when selecting participants for trainee programs, some key characteristics to be considered are Initiative, Drive and Self-Motivation amongst the applicants.