The Effect of E-Training on the Performance of Employees in Small and Medium Scale Enterprise amidst the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of E-training on the performance of employees in SMEs amid COVID-19. The article identifies how SMEs have carried out the training and development functions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study establishes a scientific base for e-training and employee performance and lays the foundation for empirical research in the area of e-training and development. The study adopted quantitative approach in achieving the objective of the study. With regards to data collection, the study conducted a survey to collect data from the employees of the various SMEs. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out to achieve the research objective. The data was analysed descriptively and interpretation was done using frequencies. In addition to that, correlation and regression was also carried out to determine the nature of effect and relationship between E-training and performance of employees. The findings revealed that, there is a significant relationship between E-training infrastructure and E-training methods and performance of employees. The findings revealed some challenges employees encountered with the e-training. These includes: lack of awareness amongst SMEs, low adoption rate, bandwidth and connectivity limitations, computer illiteracy, lack of quality E-learning content, requires substantial investment not only at the development and implementation phase, but also the subsequent maintenance. The study concludes that when SMEs are able to increase the performance of their employees through training, they continue to remain competitive in the marketplace.