Assessing the Influence of Training Practices on Employee Performance in Tanzania: A Case of Tanesco Iringa Regional Office

The study sought to find out the relationship between Training Practices (TP) and Employee Performance in TANESCO Iringa Regional Office. It was backed up by three specific objectives which were to identify the nature of training practices, how identified types of training practices have improved employee performance, and the level within which the Trainings were provided. Being qualitative and Quantitative in nature 196 employees-respondents were randomly selected and 4 managers-respondents that were purposively selected. Data were collected by using questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews for qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis while qualitative data were analyzed through content means. Generally, findings indicated that, to the largest extent, training tend to facilitate employee work performance due to harmonization of employee information in all aspects works. The study further, recognized that, the nature of training practices that were used by TANESCO Iringa Regional Offices include trainings, mentorship programs and coaching as well as orientations. Importantly, trainings on information and communication technology has contributed to increase employee effectiveness and efficiency by lowering the number of customer queries. Indeed, the study discovered that, TANESCO as service based organization had trained more technical staff and customer care employees much than other departments. These levels of staff were also seen to have positive relations with the organizational and employee performance increase. The study concluded that, training practices are a continuum process at TANESCO for improved employee performances in general. The study recommended that, similar service based organizations should not take the aspect of training practices for granted. They should engage different types of trainings and capacity building to capacitate employees and thereby realize employee and organizational performance improvement. Future studies can delve deeper into mentoring practices and their evolving dynamics especially, this could involve an investigating the effects of modern mentoring models on organizational performances Strengthen Mentoring Practices Given the significant positive influence of mentoring practices on employee performance, TANESCO should continue to encourage and support mentoring relationships within the organization.