A Case Study on How Perceptions of the Work Environment Contribute to the Ability to Transfer Training
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Pollock, Jameo DeWayne
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Shriner, Michael
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Northcentral University
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2020
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
169
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ed.D.
Body granting the degree
Northcentral University
Text preceding or following the note
2020
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
The transfer of training represents a critical element in the criteria of training effectiveness as it helps organizations and their workers to improve performance. Failing to transfer knowledge to the workplace wastes an organization's time, money, effort, and a plethora of other resources while continuing to miss job-related improvements that could increase the competitive advantage. For decades, only a fraction of new knowledge has made it from the training room to the workplace costing organizations billions of dollars. Researchers have examined copious factors affecting the transfer of training, yet qualitative studies are limited. Research on the perceptions of the work environment and how it influences training transfer are even more limited. This exploratory qualitative case study used Baldwin and Ford's Transfer of Training Model and Broad and Newstrom's Transfer of Training Matrix to explore how perceptions of the work environment influences the transfer of training process for frontline workers. Semi-structured interviews provided information on what works - and what does not - from the experiences and perspectives of highway construction inspectors. The sample included 15 highway construction inspectors. Through the use of Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software, seven themes emerged: field-classroom connection, the role and importance of the supervisor, the work environment, the impact of experience, the importance of mentorship, the impact of time, and the art and function of communication. The results from the study indicate that the work environment influences training transfer in several ways; seeing the job element prior to attending class, sequencing and spacing classes, being more strategic on work location assignments, and providing mentoring training for supervisors. The research results provided support for theories and previous research on the transfer of training. These findings and interventions have the potential to become best practices and have practical implications for practitioners, trainers, supervisors, human resources managers, and organizations alike.