Introduction
In today’s dynamic and evolving educational landscape, the role of guidance personnel has become increasingly significant. More than just providers of academic advice, they serve as mentors, counselors, and key pillars of student success, fostering not only intellectual growth but also emotional and psychological well-being. Within the halls of Batangas State University – The National Engineering University (BatStateU-TNEU), guidance personnel play a crucial role in shaping the future of students, helping them navigate academic challenges, personal struggles, and career aspirations. However, to effectively fulfill their roles, these professionals must continuously develop their skills, enhance job satisfaction, and remain deeply committed to their institution’s vision.
The effectiveness of any workforce hinges on three critical factors: needs assessment, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. A thorough needs assessment provides valuable insights into the gaps and areas for improvement in guidance services, ensuring that personnel receive the necessary training and support to meet student demands. Job satisfaction, on the other hand, directly influences work performance, motivation, and overall well-being, determining whether employees feel valued and fulfilled in their roles. Lastly, organizational commitment reflects the degree to which employees identify with and remain dedicated to their institution, which significantly impacts their long-term engagement and effectiveness.
Despite the crucial role guidance personnel play in the university setting, research on their professional development remains limited. How do they perceive their current job roles? Are they satisfied with the resources and training provided? What factors contribute to their commitment to the university? Addressing these questions is essential in crafting a comprehensive training and development program tailored to their unique needs.
This study seeks to bridge this gap by assessing the needs, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment of guidance personnel at BatStateU-TNEU. By doing so, it aims to lay the foundation for a structured and impactful training and development program that enhances their skills, job fulfillment, and long-term dedication to the university’s mission. A well-equipped and motivated guidance workforce translates to better student support services, fostering a university culture that prioritizes holistic development and academic success.
Through an in-depth exploration of these key areas, this research endeavors to create a blueprint for professional growth, ensuring that guidance personnel are not only competent in their roles but also driven by purpose and commitment. As BatStateU-TNEU continues to uphold its reputation as a premier academic institution, investing in the well-being and professional development of its guidance personnel is a step toward strengthening its educational framework. After all, the heart of an institution lies not just in its students but also in the dedicated professionals who guide them toward a brighter future.
The necessity for the training of personnel is widely acknowledged, along with the pressing requirement for the development of effective training needs assessment instruments within organizational contexts. Over time, systematic training programs have been established and provided in numerous organizations. These programs have been carefully administered and implemented, with a strong focus on addressing the specific training needs identified through ongoing assessments. This approach ensures that the training provided aligns closely with the actual demands and requirements of the workforce, facilitating improved outcomes and performance across the board. (Mustapha Kura et al., 2018) In general, numerous organizations have thoroughly examined the extensive extent of their program implementation efforts and effectiveness. They have also explored various ways in which the organization has taken the lead in considering important aspects of organizational matching. Additionally, they have engaged in strategic planning relative to training needs assessment information. This is crucial for the effective management of systematic training programs that meet the evolving demands and requirements of the workforce. (Rozak et al.2021) Similarly, the increasing competition present within the realm of education, combined with the ever more complex problems faced by both communities and schools, is inextricably linked to the environment’s preparedness to continually enhance the competencies of all individuals involved. As guidance personnel who stand at the forefront of service within the educational environment, the degree of readiness within the environment to not only master essential knowledge and skills but also embody a spirit of service is crucial. This collective commitment leads to the realization of remarkable individuals and high-quality services, all aimed at fostering competitive education that aligns with the educational policies established by the Government. However, as we examine the current landscape, it becomes evident that the readiness of guidance services to proactively enhance their service competencies often appears to be lacking or not sufficiently prioritized. It is important to note that not all educational institutions possess the capability to implement this readiness uniformly due to various constraints. Limitations regarding human resources, financial support, and facility management differ significantly from one institution to another, ultimately affecting their ability to foster an environment that encourages continual growth and improvement in service delivery. 1.1. Detailed and Comprehensive Background Information Regarding the Research Study References: Mustapha Kura, S., Gana Bukar, A., & Bukar Abba, B. (2018). An Evaluation of Staff Training Needs Assessment in Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. [PDF] Rozak, H. A., Adhiatma, A., Fachrunnisa, O., & Rahayu, T. (2021). Social media engagement, organizational agility and digitalization strategic plan to improve SMEs’ performance. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 70(11), 3766-3775. umk.ac.id