Beyond supervisors’ support: influencing (international) technical training transfer

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an understanding of influencing motivation and volition in the transfer of learning within the context of technical training in different countries by controlling predictors.

Design/methodology/approach

In six countries, employees from one automotive company’s service centres were asked to complete two online questionnaires after a blended learning training program with technical content (t1: 7 to 12 days after the training, t2: 5 to 7 weeks after). In total, 441 technical staff members participated.

Findings

Results suggest that motivation and volition mediate the effects of peer support, content validity and supervisor support on training transfer after a technical training. The outcomes show that peer support has an important influence on motivation and that national culture is less important than company culture.

Research limitations/implications

The results should be tested further in different trainings, companies and countries.

Originality/value

This is one of the first international studies to confirm peer support and content validity as predictors for motivation to transfer after technical training. It is also the first instance of exploring possible mediation by motivation and volition on peer support and content validity after technical training in an intercultural context.

Citation

Richter, S. and Kauffeld, S. (2020), "Beyond supervisors’ support: influencing (international) technical training transfer", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 44 No. 4/5, pp. 391-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-08-2019-0141