Outcomes of workplace literacy training in a Midwest industrial center

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a workplace literacy (pre-apprenticeship) training program on workers' goal attainment, job performance, and personal life. In addition, the study examined the impact of the training on employees' work-related attitudes including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job involvement. Two major questions were of concern: 1) whether workplace literacy training affects attitudes related to an individual's personal life and their work, and 2) the extent to which the program benefited the organization for which the trainees work;A survey was administered to 60 workers who completed the workplace literacy program offered by a community college in their plant contracted by the firm. A control group of 60 workers were considered to compare impacts of the program. The instrument used was a questionnaire designed by the researcher to assess workers' goal attainment, perceptions of job performance and value of the program. The Job Descriptive Index of Smith, Kendall, and Hullin measured satisfaction with work; Mowday, Steers, and Porter's questionnaire measured organizational commitment; and Kanungo's questionnaire measured job involvement;Data were analyzed by means of Pearson Correlation to determine relationships between perception of improvement on job performance and rating the value of the program. T-tests were performed to determine differences between workers who attended the literacy training and those who did not attend regarding job performance, organizational commitment, and job involvement;Findings are discussed based on the specific research questions. Among other things, it was concluded that perception of basic skills improvement is more than just improvement in the "3 Rs;" and workers' perceptions of performing a better job is not only related to improvement of basic skills but also to productivity on the job and quality of work. Implications for providers, instructors and the organizations who contracted the program are discussed. Most importantly, these providers, organizations, and instructors need to understand teaching and learning in the workplace and development of curriculum to meet participants' and employers' goals/needs were indicated.