On-the-job training and employee performance at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation in Mbarara City: A mixed-method cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64792/j706rb69Keywords:
Staff Training, Employee Performance, On-the-Job Training, Off-the-Job Training, Induction TrainingAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to examine the relationship between on-the-job training and employee performance at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation in Mbarara City
Methodology:
The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study. The study was conducted among 250 employees of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation operating in decentralized offices within Mbarara City. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan Sampling Table, which provided a scientifically accepted method for selecting representative samples from a known population. The study employed a combination of stratified random sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling to ensure that relevant and appropriate respondents were selected from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation in Mbarara City.
Results:
Most of the mean scores for the statements ranged between 3.99 and 4.20, which corresponds to agreement on the Likert scale. Specifically, respondents strongly agreed that new employees are assigned to experienced staff for job shadowing (Mean = 4.20) and that coaching is integrated into daily supervision (Mean = 4.15–4.17). Mean scores range between 3.92 and 4.26, reflecting agreement among respondents.
Respondents strongly agree that they report to work on time (Mean = 4.24) and maintain regular attendance (Mean = 4.26). On-the-job training (r = 0.742, p < 0.01) showed a strong positive relationship with employee performance, suggesting that employees who receive more job shadowing, coaching, and mentorship tend to perform better in terms of productivity, efficiency, and quality of work. On-the-job training (β = 0.463, p < 0.05) had the strongest positive influence on employee performance. This suggests that hands-on learning, coaching, and mentoring significantly improve productivity, efficiency, and quality of work.
Conclusions:
The study concludes that on-the-job training has a strong and significant positive influence on employee performance.
Recommendations:
Ensure that supervisors are trained and equipped to effectively deliver on-the-job training.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Miriel Rukundo, Dr. Kevin Nwanna Uchechukwu, Edmand Bakashaba (Author)

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