Needs Assessment

A training needs assessment is ‘a tool used to identify what courses or activities should be undertaken to improve employees’ or members’ performance productivity’. The training needs assessment guides the training organizers in distinguishing, differentiating and delineating the desires or wants of the members from the pressing needs. This initial assessment also helps to ensure if the training will really produce a visible impact or effect. The assessment identifies what is needed and who needs what.

Training needs assessment can be done through several techniques. The organizers can meet and discuss with the management who are more involved with the organization’s operation and more aware of the needs of the members. The management also has the right and authority to discuss with their subordinates what skills are still necessary to be developed in order to achieve their organization’s goal. The organizers can also interview and brainstorm with the employees or the members. These members can relay first-hand information on the problems and difficulties they face and possible interventions that can be undertaken. Surveys and focus group discussions can also be facilitated. The organizers can also review the company’s vision, mission, goals and objectives and compare it with the employee’s or member’s performance appraisals.


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