Task performance and training of employees: the mediating role of employee engagement in the tourism and hospitality industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the perception of employees towards training and also examine the mediation effect of employee engagement between training and task performance. Design/methodology/approach An integrated model has been developed highlighting the relationship of the motivation for training and support for training and their implications on task performance through the mediating role of employee engagement. Using the sample of 397, structural equation modelling has been used with the help of SPSS and AMOS to validate the hypothesized relationship and evaluate the responses of employees working in travel agencies operating in Delhi (capital), India. Findings The findings of this study demonstrated a positively significant relationship between training and task performance of employees in the tourism and hospitality industry. Simultaneously, employee engagement positively mediates the relationship between training and task performance directly and indirectly. This study goes over the ramifications of the findings and offers some suggestions for practical implementations. Practical implications The findings of this study can be used by managers and HR professionals to organize exclusive training programs for improving employees’ performance based on the dimensions used in this study. This study also suggests that training program enhances employee engagement in organizational activities which leads to build up team work and overall organizational as well as individual performance. Originality/value This study also introduces a conceptual model and theoretical framework that provide a significant contribution to the training and task performance of employees. This study provides a strong theoretical foundation by incorporating the social exchange theory to confirm the role of employee engagement in performance. Further, this novel piece of research explores the relationship between training and task performance with employee engagement as a mediator, especially in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry.