Transfer of Training: A Reorganized Review on Work Environment and Motivation to Transfer

Abstract

Effective application of skills & knowledge gained from a training program to a job situation, i.e. transfer of training, has become a great concern in training issues. Transfer of learned skills at the actual workplace is subject to a number of factors, with work environment being one of those factors. Research has shown a relatively profound role of the work environment in delineating the construct of transfer. However, some of the most important characteristics of the work environment have arguably remained under-researched and are still going empirical testing. So, in earnest, this paper is an attempt to make a holistic review of the literature and methodology by going through summative, formative and meta studies published from 1988–2014 on transfer. This paper proposes a conceptual framework by recognizing the influential role of two forms of work environments (i.e., support and climate) on transfer of training, taking into account the mediating role played by transfer motivation with recommended methodological standards.

Keywords

• training
• learning
• transfer of training
• work environment
• motivation to transfer