Using a Smartphone App to Assess and Support Transfer of Training of Leadership Skills – A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Studies have shown that leadership behaviors can have a large impact on workplace productivity and health, and considerable time and money is spent on leadership training. The transfer of skills learned in training to daily practice at the workplace is an important outcome. This study investigated the use of a smartphone app and ecological momentary assessment to improve and measure transfer of training. The app was used in conjunction with a leadership training program and combined reminders, checklists, and single-item work environment questions. Managers (N = 17) used the app over an 11-week time period, collecting data multiple times each week for an intensive longitudinal within-participants design with no control group. Results indicate that the number of self-reported skills increased during the training period and that the app was appreciated as a skills training support.

Keywords

• transfer of training
• management
• ecological momentary assessment
• acceptability
• ecological momentary intervention
• experience sampling methods