The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Slightly Disagree
Explanation:
The most appropriate answer to the statement, “On-the-job training is the responsibility of management alone,” is to disagree. Effective on-the-job training (OJT) is not a task carried out in isolation by one group; it is a dynamic partnership and a shared responsibility among several key parties within an organization.
First, management plays the foundational role. Managers are responsible for identifying the need for training, creating a structured plan, allocating the necessary resources, and setting clear, measurable goals. They are ultimately accountable for fostering an environment where learning and development can occur and for ensuring that training aligns with both departmental and organizational objectives. They act as the primary facilitators and evaluators of the process.
However, the employee’s role is equally critical. The individual being trained must be an active and willing participant. Their responsibility includes being open to new information, asking questions for clarity, actively practicing new skills, and providing feedback on the training process. Without the employee’s engagement and personal commitment to learning, even the most well-designed training program from management will be ineffective. The employee must take ownership of their own development.
Finally, experienced colleagues and the broader team are often indispensable to successful OJT. Peer mentoring and guidance from senior team members provide practical, real-world context that a manager might not be able to offer. This collaborative learning not only accelerates skill acquisition but also helps integrate the employee into the team culture and promotes a shared sense of responsibility for collective success.
Therefore, because training requires the active involvement of the employee and the support of the entire team, the notion that it is the responsibility of management alone is incorrect. It is a collaborative effort.
