Re‐thinking training needs analysis

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on training needs analysis with the intention of organising conceptually the various approaches. It offers a way of going beyond simple descriptions to a quantitative approach. A simple yet comprehensive model is proposed which consists of four aspects focusing on four related questions: Who are the key initiators of the TNA studies? What are the levels of interest in the studies (i.e. organization, process, group and individual)? What methods of analysis are used? What is the intended outcome of the analysis? Based on these, four hypotheses are proposed. A literature search produced a total of 118 articles, of which 44 were randomly picked for detailed review. As expected, the literature was dominated by “supply‐led” players, i.e. trainers and academics, but with an unexpectedly strong emphasis on the “demand‐led” aspects of the organisation, especially its business results and growth.

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