Evaluating the Impact of Learning and Development on Staff Motivation in International Non-Governmental and International Non-Profit Organisations

The main objective of this study was to understand the impact of learning and development (L&D) on staff motivation in international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and international non-profit organisations (INPOs), focusing on those organisations operating in the Global South, also known as developing countries. Using a mixed-methods approach, 46 participants with decision-making authority from several INPOs and INGOs completed an online survey to investigate the impact of L&D and organisational factors on staff motivation and how well a model of L&D evaluation was undertaken. Follow-up semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 of these participants. It was found that organisations were generally not aware about the importance of understanding the impact of L&D on staff motivation. Furthermore, the results showed that L&D activities have a positive impact on employees' motivation, regardless of which type of organisation they work in. However, different organisational factors appear to positively or negatively impact motivation. The results of this study can help managers in INGOs and INPOS become more aware of the importance of evaluating L&D and to consider organisational factors that impact staff motivation.