The Effect of In-Service Training Perception on Employee’s Motivation to Learn: A Case Report of Bodrum

Service is a sector that takes its power from human resource and its existence depends on the value it gives to human resource. Since worker employment rate is high, automatization and mechanization is very limited in the tourism industry which heavily depends on the face to face communication, it shows a need for in-service training (Şener, 2001; 14). In-service trainings are a process that enhance employee’s knowledge, abilities and talents and keep them up to date with the new information. Employees’ personal traits, perception and motivation are important during this process. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of in-service training perception on employee’s motivation to learn. Clemenz (2001; 9) defines in-service training perception as the in training employee’s assessments towards the training. In-service training perception is defined in literature as the satisfaction as a result of the assessments of training, positive reaction, and a positive point of view towards the future trainings. Noe (1986; 743) says that motivation to learn is employee’s desire and willingness towards learning the contents of the training. Moreover, motivation to learn also effected by employee’s reaction, attitude and personal traits. Expectancy theory which is one of the motivation theories, is in a close relation with in-service training perspective and motivation to learn. (Clemenz, 2001; 17; Tombs, 2011; 11). According to Vroom’s expectancy theory, a person’s motivation is equal to multiplication of expectancy of one’s behavior is going to make them achieve their goal and the value one gives to that goal (Budak and Budak, 2016; 215). Desire, willingness, expectancy that are included in the definition of expectancy theory are concepts which are also the keywords of motivation to learn. Likewise, personal benefits are also a factor that makes employee’s attend the training programs. Employee’s, gain personal benefits (knowledge, gaining talents, rise to their wage, promotion opportunity etc.), perspective towards the training program become positive (Vyas, 2015; 154). Tannenbaum et al (1991), indicate that person’s, who is going to attend the training, expectations, willingness and perspective before training effect efficiency of training, commitment to future trainings, self-sufficiency and motivation. This study includes employee’s work at 5-star hotels in Bodrum province. Data collected from the employee’s with a survey analyzed with related analyze techniques. As a result of regression analyze, a positive and meaningful relation between in-service training perception and motivation to learn was observed.