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Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management

ISSN: 0975-2854 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 2008 Language: English
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Benefits of Cross-Training: Scale Development and Validity

Open Access Original Article

Benefits of Cross-Training: Scale Development and Validity

Navya Ninan1,  Joel Chacko Roy2,  Mary Rani Thomas3

1 Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560 029

2 Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560 029

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560 029

Volume 12
Issue 6
Pages 41–56
Year 2019
Received: July 17, 2018 Accepted: May 20, 2019 Published: June 30, 2019
Abstract

Studies related to benefits of cross-training were mainly done either in the context of qualitative research or as comprehension of desk research. The literature scarcely covered the measurement issues, and thus, it became vital to quantify and develop a scale to measure the benefits of cross-training (BCT). Cross-training means training that covers multiple tasks within a department. This training technique keeps employees prepared to handle more than a single job for which they have been initially hired. This concept is also called 'worker multifunctionality'. The study aimed to propose and validate an instrument to measure BCT. The first section of the study was exploratory factor analysis (EFA) establishing the benefits of cross-training through four dimensions namely Job Stability, Career Advancement, Networking, and Idle Time Management. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used in the second section to verify the factor structure of the observed variables. The results indicated that cross-training the employees in an organization could help practitioners to adopt the same as a strategy in retaining the employees by saving on the costs of recruitment, selection, and staffing. The findings also suggested that cross-training helped in securing a job, progressing in one's career, enabling better interaction among the employees, and efficiently managing the idle time in the organization.

Keywords Cross Training Employee Retention Job Stability Career Advancement Networking Idle Time Management
How to Cite

Navya Ninan, Joel Chacko Roy, Mary Rani Thomas (2019). Benefits of Cross-Training: Scale Development and Validity. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 12(6), 41–56. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2019/v12i6/144935

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