Women-only training programmes as tools for professional development: analysis and outcomes of a transformative learning process
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 2 June 2023
Issue publication date: 21 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the transformative learning theory, this paper analyses a French women-only training programme (WOTP) that aims to develop women’s soft skills in their professional contexts. This paper aims to focus on the process of personal transformation, the collective dimensions and the unexpected effects of the transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper used a mixed qualitative design that mainly combines a qualitative two-step study of 47 women to assess their personal changes in terms of self-confidence, self-efficacy and assertiveness. This paper used 13 semi-structured interviews to explore the perceived changes in-depth.
Findings
The analysis shows that beyond “fixing their lack of skills” – including self-limiting behaviours, low feelings of self-efficacy and difficulty claiming one’s place – a WOTP can trigger a transformational learning experience at the individual level and can modify the surveyed women’s attitudes and behaviours at work. The results also highlight the collective dimension of transformation and, to some extent, an avenue for a societal transformation.
Practical implications
One can state that these WOTPs may positively contribute to human resources development in organisations, and that they may be considered a relevant practice in the move to promote women and gender diversity in organisations.
Originality/value
The findings reveal that, at their individual levels, these women may become agents of change by influencing and acting in their professional lives. The results stress that training women may contribute to organisational changes in terms of gender diversity. These findings contribute to the enrichment of the transformative learning theory by developing the collective and societal dimensions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declarations of interest statement.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflicts of interest/Competing interests: Not applicable.
Availability of data and material (data transparency): Data are not available.
Code availability (software application or custom code): Not applicable.
Citation
Chasserio, S. and Bacha, E. (2024), "Women-only training programmes as tools for professional development: analysis and outcomes of a transformative learning process", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 48 No. 3/4, pp. 455-477. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-12-2021-0210
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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