Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Joseph Barbeau

Abstract

Support from managers, training specialists, and human resource development specialists is needed if social service employees are to transfer learning to their organizations. There is a gap in the literature about managers, training specialists, and HRD specialists familiarizing employees with learning transfer expectations. This study addressed the way social service employees transferred what was learned after attending normal training classes. The research questions focused on learning transfer expectations for the employees, conditions that addressed during the learning transfer, processes that are in place where there was not a learning transfer initiative, and the way learning was used by employee. The study utilized a case study approach and thematic analysis based on theoretical frameworks of McGregor's theory X and theory Y, Drucker's management by objectives theory, Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick's 4 levels of training evaluation. Data were collected from open-ended interviews with 15 human resources officials in 1 agency. Data were inductively coded and analyzed for themes and patterns. Findings yielded themes of inconsistencies such as familiarizing employees with learning transfer expectations, differences of factors or conditions that addressed the learning transfer function or activity, not having a learning transfer initiative or instructions, and having an informal way of using what employees acquire from training limited policies and procedures, and a lack of direction. These changes could promote awareness of the social service community to encourage regular updates on training, practice new learning, partner and collaborate with stakeholders, review training offerings, and use technology.

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