The Effect of Training and Development Programs on Employee Performance in the Saudi Retail Industry

This study examines the impact of training programs and development initiatives on employee performance in Saudi retail companies. Despite the growing importance of human capital development within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, empirical evidence regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of training and development programs in the Saudi retail sector. A quantitative research design was used, employing a structured questionnaire distributed to 400 employees working in retail establishments in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple regression, and ANOVA. The findings reveal that both training programs and development initiatives exert significant positive effects on employee performance. Regression analysis demonstrates that training programs (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and development initiatives (β = 0.397, p < 0.001) significantly predict employee performance, while the overall model explains 47.2% of the variance in employee performance (R² = 0.472). Correlation analysis further confirms strong positive associations between training, development, and employee performance. In addition, ANOVA results indicate significant differences in employee performance according to the frequency and type of training received, with employees participating in regular, job-related training exhibiting superior performance. Systematic investment in long-term employee training and development enhances workforce efficiency and productivity, as well as long-term organizational effectiveness, thus supporting human capital theory. The findings offer practical applications for human resource managers, emphasizing the importance of implementing structured, continuous, and role-specific training strategies that align with the organization's strategic objectives and the workforce development goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, this study contributes to the limited empirical literature on training and development programs in the Saudi retail sector and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness.