Getting the best out of training: Value in evaluation

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

In today's rapidly changing and unpredictable business world, having a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce is vital for any organization to prosper and grow. Training has naturally become more crucial than ever and only those companies able to develop effective programs can hope to reap the rewards. However, many organizations simply go through the motions where training is concerned and even the likelihood of gaining competitive advantage fails to shift the prevailing apathy. That's not true everywhere, of course, because some companies invest heavily in employee training and development. But since the return rarely justifies the outlay, these organizations also often come up short. The reason for this? Evaluation. Or, more to the point, the lack of it. Surprisingly, company leaders often overlook this aspect even though it should be regarded as an integral part of any training program. After all, how can we realistically expect to know whether something is functioning properly or not if we cannot be bothered to carry out a proper appraisal of it?

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2007), "Getting the best out of training: Value in evaluation", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 28-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280710739115