Food for thought: The practice of training: how to translate learning into performance

The practice of training

Summary

Despite the growth of literature surrounding the work of management consultants, there has been little attention paid to the training activities that consultants undertake in the development of their work practices. As a result, this paper examines consultancy skills training events, with a particular focus on aspects of the evaluation of the training and its subsequent transfer into consultancy practice.

In a review of the existing literature on training, particular attention is paid to Kirkpatrick's (1987) well-known model for training evaluation, which is critiqued for the hierarchical nature. In light of this review, the suggestion is made that any evalution of training should extend its focus to include elements of the wider social context in which the training takes place (Arthur et al. 2003). From this position, the outline for the current research is described, with a focus on the various motivational and environmental factors which can impact the transfer of training.

Having determined the focus of the research, an overview of the study itself is provided, detailing participation in a Core Consulting Skills (CCS) course in September 2004, along with follow-up interview with twelve course participants. The fieldwork study is informed largely by Easterby-Smith's (1986) CAIPO (Context, Administration, Inputs, Processes, Outputs) Model for training evalution, particularly for the follow-up interviews with course participants.

The findings point to the important roles that organisations play in providing suitable motivational and environmental support for the transfer of training. From the research, the importance of managing the return to work experiences, feedback opportunities and formal recording of the training experiences are all discussed. In addition, a four-fold typology of training objectives is outlined and discussed.

Alexander Klat-Smith, Imperial College London
August 2005