The Factors Affecting the Transfer of Training: A Case Study of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority of Thailand

Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the trainees’ behavior in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA), as well as to determine the influential factors of the transfer of training of the trainees in the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority’s middle management training program. This study applies both qualitative research method by conducting 360-degree interviews with the trainees and their supervisors, co-workers and subordinates for the trainees’ behavioral evaluation, and quantitative research method by conducting a questionnaire survey with the trainees to identify the influential factors of the transfer of training. The behavioral evaluation indicates that the trainees have been improved in working ability and outcomes, adaptation of acquired knowledge, cooperation, and leadership; and the trainees most successfully transferred the acquired knowledge from the training to the directly relevant works and the equally difficult works. The data analysis results reveal that the most influential factor on transfer of training is the trainees’ characteristics. The results on the influential factors on the transfer of training enable trainees’ behavioral changes and the discovery of new training programs that creates the highest possible learning. The results also imply the significant impact of organizational culture on the transfer of training. The present study provides a fuller understanding of the training program by incorporating from pre-program to post program processes, and reveals the success of the transfer of training in the specific context of Thailand.

Keywords: transfer of training, training evaluation, training design, human resource development, management development, national culture