Developing a Strategic Human Resource Training and Development Framework to Optimise Performance in Zimbabwe’s Local Authorities

Authors

Keywords:

human resource, training and development, stakeholder engagement, technology integration, local authorities

Abstract

The study establishes a strategic human resource development training and development model for the local authorities in Zimbabwe. A sequential mixed-method design that was explanatory was pursued. It has a combination of both survey data (n=312) and interviews (n=11). The target population of the study included managerial and non-managerial employees who were selected within local authorities in Zimbabwe. The SPSS 21.0 software was used to analyse the quantitative data and present them in a tabular and graphical format. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. The study findings identified several fundamental key elements of a customised training framework, one of which is the ability to integrate technologies, engage with the stakeholders, mobilise resources, customise the programme and align it with performance and talent management among others. The suggested framework is premised on nine integrated steps with the goal of maximising performance in local authorities. For practical implementation, the study concludes that local authorities should integrate training into human resource policies, allocate clear budgets for staff development and track results through establish monitoring systems

References

Acho Elendu, P. D., & Nelson, U. C. (2024). Strategic human capital management and

Organisational Performance in Nigeria Breweries PLC: 2001-2020. International Journal of African Innovation and Multidisciplinary Research, 3(2), 33-64. https://mediterraneanpublications.com/mejaimr/article/view/282

Ahmand, I., & Haq, M. U. (2021). Local governments and sustainable urban development; a case

study of Punjab. Journal of Evaluations, 13(2), 234-258.

Akinola, A. O., & Matlosa, K. (2025). African Union and the Agenda 2063 project. In African

Union and Agenda 2063: The Past, Present and Future. https://ujonlinepress.uj.ac.za/index.php/ujp/catalog/book/283

Alam, S., Dong, Z., Kularatne, I., & Rahid, M. S. (2025). Exploring approaches to overcome

challenges in adopting human resource analytics through stakeholder engagement. Management Review Quarterly 76, 729–787. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-025-00491-y

Aliaga, A. O. (2001). Human capita, HRD and knowledge organisation. In O. A. Aliaga (ed)

Academy of Human Resource Development 2001: Conference Proceedings, Baton Rouge, LA: AHRD, 1&2, 1-1147.

Ambu-Saidi, B., Fung, C. Y., Turner, K., & Lim, A. S. S. (2024). A critical review on training

evaluation models: a search for future agenda. Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, 10(1), 142-170. doi: 10.33736/jcshd.6336.2024

Arugu, L. (2020). Achieving effective service delivery by local government employees through

strategic training programmes. International Journal of Advanced Research in Global Politics Governance and Management, 2(1), 131-141.

Apolot, F., & Emuron, L. (2024). The effect of employee training on job performance in local

governments: A case of Bukedea District, Uganda. IDOSR Journal of Arts and Management, 9(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2024/9.1.19598

Barkhuizen, E. N., & Masale, R. L. (2022). Leadership talent mindset as a catalyst for talent

management and talent retention: The case of Botswana local government institution. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 20(1), 1-13.https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v20_i1_a1914

Becker, G. S. (1964). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference

to education. University of Chicago Press.

Bhumika, M., Samal, R., Sharma, N., & Sharma, N. (2024). Employee training and development

in the 21st century: Trends and innovations. Bhartiyam International Journal of Education & Research, 13(2), 45-60.

Brinkerhoff, R. O. (1987). Achieving results from training. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Bushnell, D. S. (1990). Input, process, output: A model for evaluating training. Training and

Development Journal, 44(3), 41-44

.

Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) Act (2013). Government Printers. Harare.

Creelman, D. (2004). Return on investment in talent management: Measures you can put to work

right now. Washington, DC: Human Capital Institute.

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research.

Sage Publications.

Eales, J., Haddaway, N. R., & Webb, J. A. (2017). Much at stake: the importance of training and

capacity building for stakeholder engagement in evidence synthesis. Environmental Evidence, 6(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-017-0101-3

Foteini, K., & Karen, J. (2019): Talent management: a critical literature review and research agenda

for public sector human resource management. Public Management Review, 22(1). 75-95.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2019.1638439

Huseynova, A., & Mazanova, O. (2023). The leading role of digital technologies in the

development of the smart city concept in Azerbaijan. International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 15(3), 55-64. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijitcs.2023.03.05

Izah, S. C., Sylva, L., & Hait, M. (2023). Cronbach’s alpha: A cornerstone in ensuring reliability

and validity in environmental health assessment. ES Energy & Environment, 23, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.30919/esee1057

Jegede, O. E. (2022). A critical analysis of the impact of local government administration on rural

development: A focus on selected local government areas in Ondo State, Nigeria. KIU Interdisciplinary Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(3), 147-161.

Kalli, K. A., Abba, Y. B., & Bukar, A. G. (2023). An assessment of the effect of training and

development on employee performance: A review perspective. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 18(2), 258-270. doi: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.18.2.0748

Kaufman, R., Keller, J., & Watkins, R. (1996). What works and what doesn’t: Evaluation beyond

Kirkpatrick. Performance + Instruction, 35(2), 8-12.

Kirkpatrick, D. L. (1959). Techniques for evaluating training programs. Journal of the American

Society for Training and Development, 13(11), 3-9.

Linje, A. P. (2026). Transformational Local Governance in the Digital Age: A Review of Tanzania’s

Institutional and Legislative Frameworks with Evidence from Shinyanga Municipality and Nzega District Council. Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.58721/eajhss.v5i1.1523

Manu, K., Yusuf, H. A., Idris, M., & Abdullahi, A. H. (2025). Assessment of the effect of training and development on employees’ performance in Ajingi local government, Kano State, Nigeria. Gombe Journal of Administration and Management (GJAM), 7(2) 90-104.

DOI:10.64290/gjam.v7i2.1316

Mhaka, T. W. (2024). Strategic human resources management in the public sector: A framework.

International Journal of Applied Management and Research, 8(9), 88-94.

Mojaki, M. A. (2024). The future of performance management at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality [Master’s thesis, Tshwane University of Technology].

Molenda, M. P. J. A., & Reigeluth, C. M. (1996). Designing instructional systems. In Robbert L.

Craig (Ed.), The ASTD Training and Development Handbook 4th ed. (pp. 266-293). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Mthintso, S., Saurombe, M. D., & Mabaso, C. (2024). Exploring the talent management strategies and practices at a South African municipality. EUREKA: Social and Humanities, 5, 10-23. DOI: 10.21303/2504-5571.2024.003386

Munyade, P. (2022). The success and failures of the local government associations of Zimbabwe

since 1980. International Journal of Social Sciences and Human Research, 5(10), 4644 - 4652.

Mwakasangula, E. (2023). The influence of training and development strategy on the performance of Tanzania’s Local Government Authorities. Journal of Policy and Leadership, 9(2), 17-36. https://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/handle/123456789/541

Nafukho, F. M., Hairston, N., & Brooks, K. (2004). Human capital theory: Implications for human

resource development. Human Resource Development International, 7(4), 545-551

https://doi.org/10.1080/1367886042000299843

Nkpurukwe, O. I., Uzah, J. P., & Wali, A. F. (2020). Evaluating the influence of employees training

and development on organisational performance of deposit money banks. American International Journal of Business and Management Studies, 2(1), 35-43. doi: 10.46545/aijbms.v2i1.188

Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee training and development. McGraw-Hill Education.

Passmore, J., & Velez, G. A. (2012). International coaching psychology review: A bibliography of

research using coaching psychology themes by academic institutions and professional bodies. International Coaching Psychology Review, 7(1), 37-50.

Pfeffer, J. (1994). Competitive advantage through people: Unleashing the power of the workforce.

Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Press.

Rugeiyamu, R., Masanyiwa, C., & Nziku, P. (2018). An assessment on the implementation of local

government financial decentralisation in Tanzania: A discrepancy between theory and practice. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 8(12), 243-244. doi: 10.29322/IJSRP.8.12.2018.p8434

Sarwar, M. I., Abbas, Q., Alyas, T., Alzahrani, A., Alghamdi, T., & Alsaawy, Y. (2023). Digital

transformation of public sector governance with IT service management: A pilot study. IEEE Access, 11, 6490-6512. doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3237550

Schnepf, M., Dürrnagel, S. P., Laghetto, G., Pastor, T., & Ritchie, C. (2024). Stakeholder analysis

report on stakeholder analysis including evaluation of engagement, training needs and capacity building. ARPHA Preprints. doi: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e132163

Schwab, C., Bouckaert, G., & Kuhlmann, S. (2017). The future of local government in Europe.

Lessons from research and practice in 31 countries. doi: 10.5771/9783845280639-101

Suhasini, R., & Suganthalakshmi, T. (2015). Emerging trends in training and development.

International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 5(3), 1-10.

Suravi, S. (2024). Training and development in the hybrid workplace. The Learning

Organisation, 31(1), 48-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-10-2022-0119

Tan, E. (2014). Human capital theory: A holistic criticism. Review of Educational Research, 84(3),

411-445. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314532696

Topno, H. (2012). Evaluation of training and development: An analysis of various models. IOSR

Journal of Business and Management, 5(2), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.9790/487x-0521622

Vanitha, P., & Ganesh, R. S. (2024). Impact of employee training and development on

organisational performance. Management, 11(4), 51-54.

https://doi.org/10.34293/management.v11i4.7470

Wachiuri, J. W., & Makokha, E. N. (2024). Influence of training and development on employee

performance at country government of Kiambu. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 747-760.

Watkins, R., Leigh, D., Foshay, R., & Kaufman, R. (1998). Kirkpatrick Plus: Evaluation and

continuous improvement with a community focus. Educational Technology & Research Development, 46(4), 90-96. doi: 10.1007/BF02299676

Yigitcanlar, T., David, A., Li, W., Fookes, C., Bibri, S. E., & Ye, X. (2024). Unlocking Artificial

Intelligence Adoption in Local Governments: Best Practice Lessons from Real-World Implementations. Smart Cities, 7(4), 1576-1625.

https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040064

Downloads

Published

03-07-2026

How to Cite

Tembo, E. B., Ngorora-Madzimure, G. P. K., & Bhebhe, T. B. (2026). Developing a Strategic Human Resource Training and Development Framework to Optimise Performance in Zimbabwe’s Local Authorities. Journal of Management Sciences, Innovation, and Technology, 2(2). Retrieved from https://journals.cut.ac.zw/index.php/JMSIT/article/view/496