Outdoor‐based Experiential Training: Improving Transfer of Training Using Virtual Reality

Abstract

Outdoor‐based experiential training has become a popular technique for training managers by directly involving them in the training process. Outdoor‐based programmes offer training in a fresh and motivating setting, tend to eliminate many of the role conflicts from the day‐to‐day work setting, and emphasize many of the interpersonal skills so important in today′s work setting. Unfortunately, the value of these programmes is often questioned by many trainers and managers. Do the skills learned in the outdoors actually transfer to the work setting, or do they simply work only in the outdoors? Presents a new addition to the outdoor training programme called virtual reality training. While not for all organizations, virtual reality training recreates the participant′s own work environment in a developmental setting, and helps to increase the transfer of training to the work setting. Presents actual examples of virtual reality programmes so the readers can evaluate the effectiveness of this type of training for their own organization.

Citation

Wagner, R.J. and Campbell, J. (1994), "Outdoor‐based Experiential Training: Improving Transfer of Training Using Virtual Reality", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 13 No. 7, pp. 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621719410063350