Transferring learning to the workplace : training evaluation of Maltese organisations

Abstract

A growth driver for organisations is training (Goldstein & Ford 2002). Frameworks and theories guide the process of training through designing, developing, implementing and evaluation stages. However, the value that training strategy would have reached, can be only assessed through an evaluation framework. (Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick, 2007). Moreover, being a costly exercise, evidence must be gathered in order to prove that the training was indeed a profitable organisational investment (Werner, DeSimone 2009). This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the training evaluation of Maltese organisations. The author first explores what kind of learning is provided. Secondly, he identifies what methods or frameworks do organisations use for evaluation until finally he explains the benefit from evaluation of training. A qualitative approach was used throughout the study. A purposeful sampling included eight persons responsible for human resource development departments in both major public and private organisations in Malta and Gozo. Elite, in depth, semi-structured interviews were used for the gathering of primary data. The results indicate that none of the established evaluation frameworks are being used. This notwithstanding, training is being measured to a certain extent and this might coincidentally be in conformity with some of the evaluation levels contained in the established models. The recommendations therefore include that: i) evaluation frameworks are brought to the attention of human resource development managers, ii) expert evaluation training is provided and finally iii) resources such as time are dedicated to the evaluation stage. The study also lists other recommendations for educational and future research. Various limitations, amongst which the restricted sample of interviews and the wide extent of the subject, were outlined. The strengths, on the other hand, include the high qualifications in the field of training on the part of all the professionals that were interviewed and most of all the fact that this research fills a lacuna within the local literature in the field of evaluation.