Technology and Saudi Bank Employees: Covering the Pitfalls through an Empirical Study of Perceptions (Published)
The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which Saudi employees working in several banks in Al Qassim Region have applied and used various modern technological applications. The study also investigates the availability of a strategic relationship for effective training by senior management and its impact on the improvement of the job performance of employees of different sexes and grades within the banking institutions (Al Rajhi Bank, National Commercial Bank, Riyad Bank and Bank Albilad), using a stratified random sample of employees of these banks (both male and female) and the field survey methodology using questionnaire as the main tool for collecting and analyzing the data. 420 questionnaires were collected from the employees in the banks selected for the study, from a community of 1,782 employees. The study reached several results, the most prominent are: The decision makers in Saudi banks should adopt a policy of attracting and empowering women from all vital functions in Saudi banks. As well, the study stressed the importance of training in the use of information technology in banks in improving the abilities and technological skills of employees. The study showed that there are statistically significant differences between females and males, the impact of the foregoing on staff satisfaction with the training strategy, and the importance of involving them in assessing the strategic vision of banks in the application and use of information technology. Moreover, the study found a statistically significant positive correlation between the extent to which senior management in these institutions adopted an effective training strategy on the use of information technology and the improvement of the level of the employees’ performance. The conclusion of the study is that the senior managements of the banks are not sufficiently keen for the fair distribution of training programs. As well, they are not keen on motivating the employees to use the IT.