An exploration of the value profit chain for training transfer: a study of the relationship of workplace transfer climate to business goals and objectives in one firm

Abstract

Organizations invest significantly in training programs and estimates are that only 10 percent of the learning in training programs is transferred to the workplace. While it is appropriate for Human Resource Development professionals to be advocates for training, it is imperative for the profession not only to increase the training transfer, but also to make connections between the training investment and broader business goals and objectives. Plentiful studies exist which identify various mediating factors for training transfer, including improved training content, learner motivation and ability, and exterior organizational factors such as workplace transfer climate. However, few studies focus on the impact of training transfer factors to the accomplishment of the broader business goals and objectives.;Within the literature, a newer strand of inquiry focuses specifically on the impact of workplace transfer climate as a promising transfer catalyst. In the wider organizational development field, Value-Profit Chain studies are beginning to uncover links between employee situational factors (loyalty, commitment, satisfaction) and both customer satisfaction and other organizational key performance indicators (i.e. sales growth, profit growth, turnover). The intent of this study was to determine potential links between workplace transfer climate and the attainment of business goals and objectives in a particular firm, and in so doing, to provide a possible connection between training transfer research and Value-Profit Chain analysis.;Results of the study indicate that stores with a more positive workplace transfer climate showed stronger operational results than did stores with a less positive workplace transfer climate. Further, the study found that the individual factors relating to workplace transfer climate were not homogeneous. Finally, study results indicated employees' perceptions regarding certain workplace climate factors were mediated through their perceptions of the managerial support variable.;Past studies have suggested that workplace climate supports transfer of trained skills to the workplace. This study supports and extends that knowledge and indicates that workplace transfer climate is supportive in the attainment of business goals and objectives. As such, this study provides a preliminary, yet important, link between training transfer research and Value-Profit Chain analysis of organizational effectiveness.

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