Exploring Factors Influencing Users’ Readiness to Adopt Online Training

Abstract

Online training readiness refers to the preparedness and willingness to utilize digital technologies training. Online training offers benefits such as convenience, flexibility and cost savings due to reduced travel and venue expenses. This study aims to examine factors influencing Human Resource Officers’ readiness to adopt online training in Zanzibar’s public sectors. A mixed research design was adopted encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The qualitative method using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA was deployed to identify factors influencing readiness for online training. Contents analysis method was used to analyse textual data and probability criteria was used to determine the frequency of occurrence (FO) of the factors. Identified factors were Motivation, Online learning facilities, Online communication skills, Learner control, Computer Internet self-efficacy, Technological tools, and Self-directed learning. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used to evaluate relationship between the identified factors (independent variables) and readiness to adopt online training (dependent variable). To determine whether the relationship is significant or not, the probability value (p-value) was used. Questionnaire developed by using Google form was used to collect data from human resources officers where 163 responses were collected. The study found a significant positive correlation between readiness to adopt online training and motivation (r=0.200, p=0.010), online communication skills (r=0.282, p=0.000), computer internet self-efficacy (r=0.232, p=0.003), technological skills (r=0.225, p=0.004), learner control (r=0.269, p=0.001), and self-directed learning (r=0.311, p=0.001). Therefore, the identified seven factors are all key for successful implementation of online training.