Perceived importance as a mediator of the relationship between training assignment and training motivation

In this study, we examined whether employees’ perceived importance of the training program would be one variable that mediates the relationship between training assignment and training motivation. Data were collected from 184 employees belonging to 18 banks who attended government‐sponsored training programs in Northern Taiwan. Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires: one at the beginning of the training program and the other at the middle. Results supported our hypothesis and showed that, compared to those who were volunteers, the employees who attended the training on a mandatory basis had a higher motivation for training. Moreover, organizations that force their employees to attend a given training program send out a clear message to employees that such training is important. As employees perceive the training to be central to the achievement of organizational objectives, their training motivation increases.