Evaluation – training's ignored leverage point

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the results assessment approach to the evaluation of training and development programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the shortfalls with current approaches to evaluation, outlines the research that led to the development of the results assessment approach, and describes a realistic, pragmatic method to evaluate any training initiative.

Findings

Ultimately, “results” are what training and development professionals' customers need – and want – delivered, yet training and development professionals think and act within the limits of a training expertise that often lacks the necessary business perspective. Yet, the good news is that it doesn't take a huge effort or costly resources to improve things.

Practical implications

The results of every significant development programme must fall into one or more of the following domains: perception, transfer and impact.

Social implications

The results assessment evaluation model can play a key part in ensuring training and development activities are central to an organisation's goal, aims and objectives.

Originality/value

The paper describes a model that challenges current training evaluation practice and by focusing on business results enables “training” to become a core business partner.

Citation

O'Connor, J. and Little, B. (2012), "Evaluation – training's ignored leverage point", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 44 No. 5, pp. 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197851211245022