Perception on training and employee innovativeness: An evidence from small firms

Small firms have been recognized as the pillar of industrial development in Malaysia. However, recent report indicates that majority of small companies are non-innovating companies. One of causes cited is the lack of well-trained workers. Furthermore, there are limited studies that focus on the role of training on employee innovativeness especially among small firms. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between perception on training and employee innovativeness among employees of small firms. A total of 182 employees from 36 small firms participated in this survey. Descriptive analysis and regression analysis were used to describe constructs´ central tendency and variability and test the hypotheses respectively. It is found that training explained 28.8% of variance in employee innovativeness. Training is proved to be one of the significant predictors of employee innovativeness and all its dimensions (opportunity exploration, idea generation, idea promotion and idea implementation). This finding accentuates the importance of training among small firms, which should go beyond on-job training. In the face of business challenges, small firms need to promote employee innovativeness through training.