TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYEES’ INNOVATIVE OUTCOMES: ASSESSING EFFECTS ON PRODUCT INNOVATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE INNOVATION IN COMMERCIAL BANKS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the influence of training and development (T&D) on employees’ innovative outcomes, focusing specifically on product innovation and administrative innovation in commercial banks in Rivers State, Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 200 bank employees across multiple branches. The study employs simulated empirical data to test hypotheses through multiple regression analysis. Findings indicate that T&D positively and significantly predicts both product innovation and administrative innovation, with a notably stronger impact on product innovation. These results underscore the critical role of strategic training programs not only in enhancing technical competence but also in fostering structural and procedural innovation, contributing to long-term organizational competitiveness. Policy implications suggest that banks should tailor training programs to specific innovation goals, cultivate a learning-oriented culture, and integrate innovation outcomes into human resource performance metrics.