Abstract
This dissertation argues that the government policy for assisting and supporting OJT programs in Saudi Arabia was effective in affecting the performance and outcomes of supported OJT programs and in affecting the OJT market. The policy effectiveness has produced effective OJT programs that improved some organizational practices and worker advancement within organizations. Policy effectiveness was measured by comparing supported OJT programs with nonsupported programs based on three major indicators: program performance, program outcomes, and market response to the policy. For measuring the effects of OJT in general, trained workers were compared with nontrained workers based on elements of the program outcomes. The relevant data were generated by interviewing and surveying three sources: 320 workers, 70 trainers, and 19 supervisors. In addition, some factual data were generated from official records. The test for independent groups was adopted for examining the research hypotheses. The research findings confirmed that government policy for supporting OJT programs was found effective and thus produced effective OJT programs. Supported programs were found more effective than nonsupported programs in terms of program performance, program outcomes (in general), and in market response to the policy. Supported programs assigned more material and supplies, more training time, more qualified trainers, more appropriate program design, better trainee selection methods, and smaller class size than nonsupported programs. In addition, supported programs acquired trainees with more skills and knowledge to make the program reach the targeted population (national workers) effectively. Finally, supported programs reduced workers' job accidents, performance, satisfaction, absenteeism, and earnings. However, the policy failed to affect workers' promotions and turnover rates. Finally, the policy contributed to the increases of OJT trainees and OJT programs in the market. The findings confirmed that the OJT policy produced effective OJT programs. Trained workers were found to have a lower turnover level and a lower job accident level than nontrained workers. Hence, it was concluded that the policy was effective and thus has produced effective OJT programs. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government continue supporting OJT programs since their support produces effective programs. In addition, it is recommended that organizations establish more OJT programs in order to benefit from OJT-witnessed effects on varied organizational practices. Finally, it is recommended that workers get involved in OJT programs so that they can improve their earnings and obtain more frequent promotions.