ABSTRACT

Purpose

A review of the literature on training and development has revealed a limited academic research on the role of training and development on employee career progression. Furthermore, most research in this area tended to focus on the relationship between investment in training and development and company performance, as there are debates going on by commentators whether if investment in training and development produce results on making the company performance example by increasing output and or profit. This research study seeks to address the shortfall of research in this area by investigating the role of training and development on employee career progression at Marks and Spencer UK Ltd.

Design/methodology approach

This research study collected data using questionnaires drawn up on the basis of preliminary assessment base on meetings and personal interviews  with Human Resource Managers at Marks and Spencer. The interviews are semi-structured with each of the Human Resource managers in Marks and Spencer branch at Watford and Hemel Hempstead. 

Seventy five, randomly-selected employees in Marks and Spencer Watford and Hemel Hempstead were provided with a questionnaire: of these 75 employees, 60 responded, making it (85%) respondent which is good.

Interview with two of the Human Resource managers in Watford and Hemel Hempstead took 30 minutes and were asked 15 relevant questions and all with fully satisfied answers.  

Findings

There are several key findings for this study. First, the future of a better employee career progression is dependent on the effectiveness and efficacy of the training and development programs they received, the quality of the programs, course design and learning experience. Secondly Marks and Spencer training and development programs are actual better compare to its rivals within the retail and food industry. Thirdly, employees have better opportunity to be a well trained workforce if progress within Marks and Spencer career programs.

Practical implications

Findings from this study have important managerial implications, particularly tactical and strategic managers and even employees as well on how training and development will play a role in employee’s career progression.

Originality/Value

This empirical study hope will make contribution in adding to the limited body of empirical knowledge on the role of training and development on employees career progressions. It is also hoped, this study will encourage more academics to investigate the role of training and development in employee career progressions.

Keywords

The role of training and development in career progression,  coaching, mentoring, human resource management, retail trade, Marks and Spencer UK Ltd.