Title: The Impact Of Employee Training Programs And Leadership Support On Job Performance: Mediating Role Of Employee Motivation
Authors: Ofune Kelvin
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 106-120
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between employee training programs, leadership support, and job performance, with employee motivation as a mediating variable. Specifically, the study investigated how training programs and leadership support influence job performance directly and indirectly through employee motivation. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population comprised employees of small and medium-scale enterprises in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, from which a sample size of 256 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that employee training programs (Mean = 3.62) and leadership support (Mean = 3.58) were at high levels, while employee motivation (Mean = 3.48) and job performance (Mean = 3.52) were moderate to high. Correlation analysis showed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between training programs and job performance (r = 0.674, p < 0.05), and between leadership support and job performance (r = 0.712, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that employee motivation partially mediated both relationships, accounting for 34% of the training-performance effect and 41% of the leadership support-performance effect. The study concludes that well-designed training programs and supportive leadership significantly enhance job performance, both directly and through their positive influence on employee motivation. It recommends that organizations should invest in comprehensive training initiatives, develop people-oriented leadership capabilities, and implement motivation-enhancing practices to optimize workforce performance.