An examination of training and development of middle level managers in emerging economies : Evidence from financial institutions in Ghana

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the training and development (T & D) of middle-level managers in the financial institutions of a sub-Saharan African country make any difference in the performances of the managers and the institutions in general. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical analysis of managers’ opinions based on a quantitative survey of 140 middle-level managers from four banking institutions in Ghana is conducted. Findings – Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between T & D of middle-level managers and their performance and, consequently, performance of the banks. The findings also showed that managers become savvier in personal initiatives and responsive to customer care leading to enhanced service delivery. The paper proposes that T & D should focus on the significant relationship between the outcomes and programme objectives of organisations in emerging economies if these organisations want to be counted in this competitive global world. Practical implications – The paper provides valuable information on the important role of middle-level managers as custodians of “tacit knowledge” that can turn around organisations, particularly in developing economies, if the needed T & D are given to them. Originality/value – Empirical literature on T & D and on middle-level managers’ development in developing countries is limited. The contribution of this paper identifies the roles that middle management can play in the performances of organisations and especially in emerging economies.