Examining the role of work context, transfer design and transfer motivation on training transfer: Perspective from an Indian insurance industry

Abstract

Purpose

Research on training transfer in India in general and insurance sector in specific adopting case study method is largely absent. This study aims to address this gap by adopting a case study method to explore the relationship between work context, transfer design and training transfer in an Indian Insurance company. It also examined the role of transfer motivation as a mediating variable between work context, transfer design and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from a public sector insurance company using a first ever vernacularly translated learning transfer system inventory (LTSI), following the translation and back translation process. Learning and development practitioners and academicians have been consulted and suggestions related to changing the language to be compatible with the insurance industry have been incorporated. Structural equation modeling (Amos 16) has been used to test the suggested model.

Findings

The significant positive relationship of peer support, supervisory support and opportunity to use and transfer design with training transfer can be attributed to the business context of the sample organization. Interestingly, the role of performance coaching and the mediating role of transfer motivation have been rejected. This study has proved the mediating role of transfer design.

Originality/value

This study is the first ever study on training transfer in Indian insurance sector adopting case study method. This study has used LTSI translated in an Indian vernacular language following the translation and back translation process.

Citation

Muduli, A. and Raval, D. (2018), "Examining the role of work context, transfer design and transfer motivation on training transfer: Perspective from an Indian insurance industry", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 42 No. 3/4, pp. 266-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-09-2017-0078