The evaluation of a strength-based facilitation skills training programme for post-graduate students in human resource sciences

Abstract

Human Resources (HR) has the potential to add value to the human capital in any organisation. Satisfied customers, healthy workplaces and the well-being of employees are determined by effective HR Management. HR practitioners should therefore have effective skills to facilitate growth in the workplace. By focussing on developing strengths an individual shows increased engagement, wellbeing, confidence, and self-awareness. Yet literature shows HR graduate students lack intra-and interpersonal skills when they enter the workplace. The main aim of this study was to evaluate a strength-based facilitation skills training programme for post-graduate students in human resource sciences at a tertiary institution. An experimental (pre-test, post-test, post-post-test with control group) design from a mixed-method approach was used to achieve the aims of this study. The Personal Growth Initiative Scale (PGIS-II) was used to obtain the quantitative data, while focus groups were used for the qualitative findings. After the pre-test a three day training programme was presented followed by the post-tests. The participants in this study were limited to post-graduate HR students (n=36) at a tertiary institute in South Africa. A simple-random sampling technique was utilised as a sampling strategy. SPSS was utilised to obtain descriptive statistics, and paired sample t-tests were used to determine the statistically significance of the results. Content analysis was used to explore the focus group findings. The results mainly indicated that after the training the participants were inclined to relate better to others, choose and perform better in tasks, and were able to identify and develop their own and others strengths. The findings indicated that participants were more aware of their strengths showing increased self-acceptance, self-confidence, resilience, locus of control, and more authentic behaviour. Finally limitations of the study were identified, and recommendations for future training of postgraduate students and for future research were made.