Do trainer style and learner orientation predict training outcomes?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the additive and joint effects of trainer directiveness and trainees’ learning goal orientation on training satisfaction and transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses from a sample (N = 243) of undergraduate business students enrolled at a large US university were examined.

Findings

Trainer directiveness and trainee learning goal orientations each additively predicted training satisfaction and transfer over and above one another and study controls. Further, trainer directiveness and trainee learning goal orientation jointly predicted satisfaction and transfer, such that the positive relationship between trainer directiveness and both outcomes was accentuated (more positive) when learning goal orientations were high (compared to low).

Practical implications

This study suggests that scholars and practitioners need to be mindful of both trainer and trainee characteristics when evaluating potential training programs. In addition to selecting competent trainers, organizations might be well-served to encourage trainers to use a directive style. Further, organizations might be able to boost the positive effects of trainer directiveness on trainee satisfaction and transfer by priming (or selecting on) trainee learning goal orientations.

Originality/value

With few exceptions, prior research has devoted comparatively little attention toward understanding how trainer characteristics influence training outcomes. Of this research, even less considers possible interactions between trainer and trainee characteristics. The present study provides an initial step toward addressing these gaps by examining the additive and joint influences of trainer directiveness and trainee learning goal orientations. Results support that additional variance in training satisfaction and transfer can be explained by considering both trainer and trainee characteristics in tandem.

Citation

Brad Harris, T., Chung, W., M. Hutchins, H. and S. Chiaburu, D. (2014), "Do trainer style and learner orientation predict training outcomes?", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 331-344. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-05-2013-0031