What predicts skill transfer? An exploratory study of goals orientation, training self-efficacy and organizational supports
International Journal of Training and Development, (2005)Abstract
Results from a study examining the predictors of skill transfer
from an instructional to a work environment are presented.
Prior research indicates that skill transfer is a function of both
individual and contextual factors. A total of 186 employees
from a work organization were surveyed on individual dimensions
(goal orientation, training self-efficacy) and contextual
factors (supervisor and peer support). Pre-training motivation
was proposed as proximal training outcome and further connected
to the distal outcome, skill transfer. Analyses with
structural equation modeling using EQS indicate that individual
dimensions, such as mastery-approach goal orientation
and training self-efficacy, are related to pre-training motivation.
Also, contextual factors, such as peer support, predicted
both pre-training motivation and skill transfer, while supervisor
support was unrelated to either pre-training motivation or
skill transfer. Pre-training motivation, in turn, was related
to skill transfer. Implications for theory and practice are
discussed.