Exploring the Factors Affecting the Skills Required for the Growth and Development of the Employees

Abstract

This paper examines the major inputs in employee growth and development within the defense shipyards in India and in particular, the skills that are necessary in a fast moving and changing technological world. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, which collected data on 300 employees who worked in various functional areas, such as design, construction, maintenance, and management. Stratified random sampling method was applied so as to be representative of the engineers, technicians, and the HRs. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data using a five-point likert scale to measure constructs, including technical skills, digital skills, learning orientation, organizational support, leadership and employee growth. The data collected was analyzed with the help of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS, and both measurement model and structural model were evaluated. The findings show that each of the suggested factors has a substantial impact on employee development. Among them, the most crucial determinant was the digital skills, followed by organizational support, leadership, technical skills, and learning orientation. The results imply the growing significance of digital skills in improving employee flexibility and advancement in their careers in the defense-related sectors. The research makes a contribution to the available body of literature by offering a framework of comprehensive integration of individual competencies and those of the organization in a specialized industrial environment. In practice, the results indicate that the defense shipyards must focus on digital upskilling, develop a culture of continuous learning, enhance the organizational support system, and promote positive leadership practices to improve employee development.