The hierarchical linear relationship among structured on-the-job training activities, trainee characteristics, trainer characteristics, training environment characteristics, and organizational characteristics of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises

The purpose of this study was to identify the hierarchical linear relationship among structured on-the-job training (S-OJT) activities, trainee characteristics, trainer characteristics, training environment characteristics, and organizational characteristics of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A total of 296 questionnaires from trainees and 70 questionnaires from trainers from 70 SMEs were used for the hierarchical linear modelling analysis. The major conclusions of this study were as follows: First, the level of S-OJT activities is differentiated according to organizations and such differences are caused by skilled trainers, training environment, and organizational context as well as trainees’ individual characteristics. Second, the level of S-OJT activities becomes higher when workers in SMEs meet their job requirements and the rewards from the job matching their needs. Further, the level of S-OJT activities is strengthened by the intrinsic characteristics of learning agility and selfefficacy of the workers’ active learning in strange work environments. Third, the S-OJT activities are facilitated when trainers try to share and deliver their expertise with pride and self-esteem for training activities rather than with monetary rewards alone. Fourth, the S-OJT activities are facilitated when organizations provide both physical and psychological supports in order to achieve the training goals.