Topic X Introduction

to Training
and
Development

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1.

Explain the concept of training and development;

2.

Explain reasons for having a training and development function in

an organisation;

3.

Analyse the principles of adult learning; and

4.

Evaluate the four main phases of a training process.

INTRODUCTION

Human resources are a critical component of an organisation. If a human

resource department does not have the knowledge, skills and means to carry out
its job, the objectives of the organisation will not be realised. Training begins
immediately when a person starts work and it continues depending on the needs
of the organisation, the job and the employee. Therefore, the role of training and
development in any organisation cannot be treated lightly.
Training and development have been accepted as a much-needed function,
especially in a knowledge and technology-based era. Ongoing and organised
training can help an organisation ensure that employees are equipped with the
knowledge, skills, capabilities and attitude needed in their jobs to help the
organisation realise its objectives.
What are training and development? Why are training and development
important to an organisation? What does the process of training and
development involve? We will try to answer all of these questions in this topic.
We will start our discussion with the concepts of training and development,

X TOPIC 1

INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

followed by the importance and need for training and development in an

organisation. We will then touch on the learning and training concepts. This topic
concludes with a discussion on the four main phases of a training process.

1.1

WHAT IS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT?

Human resource management involves the optimum use and division of human
resources in order to realise the objectives of an organisation. It involves a
number of main functions, namely:
(a)

Human resource planning;

(b)

Recruitment and selection;

(c)

Rewards and benefits;

(d)

Career development;

(e)

Performance management;

(f)

Health management and job safety;

(g)

Industrial relations; and

(h)

Human resource information system.

Training and development activities are closely related to the other functions of
human resource management. For example, human resource planning and
performance appraisal can help an organisation determine where and who in an
organisation should be given training and development as well as the kind of
training that is needed.
To understand the functions and process of training and development, we
should explore the meaning of both concepts. Both training and development are
often used interchangeably and are misinterpreted as the same as human
resource development by many writers and practitioners in the field. Let us now
look at the meaning of the basic concepts in training.
Mc Lagan (1989) recommends three approaches in human resource development:
(a)

Training and development;

(b)

Career and development; and

(c)

Development of an organisation.

All three approaches involve learning activities that are ongoing and systemically
organised by an organisation. The main objective of human resource
development is to improve the effectiveness and productivity of employees,
groups and organisation.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

Through the organised learning activities, an employee will be equipped with

the competencies needed to carry out his current as well as future jobs,
according to the performance standards and criteria set by the organisation.
These learning activities also give all the employees in the organisation an
opportunity to equip themselves with the knowledge, skills, abilities and
attitude in order to fulfil the needs of their current and future job
requirements.
DeSimone, Werner and Harris (2002)
Nadler (1985) also shares the opinion that training and development is one of the
main activities in human resource development. According to him:
Human resource development encompasses the learning process organised by
an organisation to improve the performance of the employee and the
organisation.
Human resource development involves three learning activities, namely,
training, education and development. Every human resource development
activity has its own focus:
(a)

Training gives special focus to learning that is related to the current job;

(b)

Education involves learning for the job in future; and

(c)

Development focuses on an individual in general and is not related to his

current or future job.

Let us have a look at what is meant by training:

Training is a learning process that is organised in a systematic way to equip
an employee with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to carry out his
tasks and to improve his current work performance.

According to Nadler (1985), training is closely related to the job currently

done by the employee. Nadler also believes that the training given to the
employee must be related to his current job. This is important so that the
employee can apply what has been learnt as soon as he returns to the
workplace.

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INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

However, Blanchard and Thacker (1999) look at training as a systematic

process to improve knowledge, skills and capabilities of implementing
current and future jobs.
What is the actual meaning of development and education in the human resource
context? Refer to Figure 1.1 for the answer.

Figure 1.1: An employees development and education

(a)

Development
Development can be viewed as a learning process to develop an employee in
general not relating to his current or future job. There are organisations and
individuals that would like to see improvement, be it related to life or the
organisation of the individual concerned. Organisations that are sensitive to
the needs of their employees will provide facilities and opportunities to
enable them to take up short and long courses that will give them knowledge
and skills in the respective fields.

(b)

Education
Education, on the other hand, involves an organised learning process to
provide knowledge, skills and capabilities in general that can be applied in
employees future jobs. An employee will usually take the initiative to
improve his academic qualifications for career advancement. However,
there are organisations that are sensitive to their employees career
advancement. Workers who are noted to have the potential for promotion
or for holding a certain job at some time in the future should equip
themselves with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Therefore, the
organisation might make sure that the employee is well equipped by
sending him for relevant learning programmes, whether at a learning
institute or through certain professional bodies.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

In Malaysia, there are many local universities, hundreds of colleges and

private learning institutions as well as professional bodies. These
professional bodies offer various education programmes specialising in
their respective professions such as the Malaysian Engineering Institute, the
Malaysian Institute of Management and the Malaysian Institute of Human
Resource Management. These institutions offer a number of programmes at
certificate, diploma, bachelors, masters as well as at Ph.D. levels. There are
also some organisations that have set up their own internal training centres
like the Petronas Leadership Academy Malaysia, the Telekom Malaysia
College and the Malaysian Institute of Road Works as well as the Maybank
Training Centre. These training institutions or internal learning institutions
are set up to prepare the employees for specific jobs in their organisations
in the future.
To facilitate the learning and understanding of training and development,
all three concepts of training, education as well as development will be
used in this unit to cover all learning. The activities are systematically
organised to provide the capabilities needed by an employee to improve his
current job performance and for his future job.

ACTIVITY 1.1
State the consequences if an employee is not involved in the
development and learning process.

1.2

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING AND

DEVELOPMENT

As discussed in the introduction to this topic, training starts as soon as a new

employee is hired for a particular post by an organisation. The recruitment and
selection process ensures that the employee hired fulfils the selection criteria,
which means that the particular employee must have the qualifications,
knowledge, skills and capabilities set by the organisation. Therefore, the
employee must be given training as soon as he joins the organisation.
As we have discussed earlier, the objective of giving training is to equip
employees with the skills needed to improve his performance as well as that of
the organisation. Effective training can enhance the knowledge, skills and
capabilities needed by an employee to carry out his job effectively as well as to
help improve the productivity and effectiveness of the organisation. Therefore, it
can be said that training has a positive impact on the individual as well as the
organisation.

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INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Training and development not only equip and enhance the knowledge, skills and
abilities of an individual, they are also important in deciding the individuals
eligibility for career development. An employee who has special skills and gives
an outstanding performance usually has a better chance of being promoted
compared to someone who has not undergone any training and development
programmes.
Therefore, the advantages of training and development are that these:
(a)

Improve an employees efficiency;

(b)

Enhance an employees image;

(c)

Give an employee the opportunity for promotion or career development;

(d)

Give an employee the chance to gain knowledge and experience which are
not available at the workplace; and

(e)

Motivate and encourage an employee to come to work and to work harder.

An employee who is knowledgeable, skilful and capable will be able to improve

the productivity and performance of the organisation. This is because an able
employee can usually carry out his duties more efficiently and is able to produce
quality work. Training and development are important to an organisation
because they:
(a)

Improve the productivity of an organisation;

(b)

Give profits or returns to the organisation;

(c)

Enhance the image of the organisation;

(d)

Cut down the rate of recruitment and termination and its costs; and

(e)

Improve the competitiveness of an organisation.

Why do training and development need to be carried out? Refer to the following
explanations to understand the reasons why training and development are
important and why they should be carried out.
(a)

A New Employee Joins the Organisation

Although basically, an individual who is hired for a job has the
qualifications and skills needed, he must still undergo a learning process
known as orientation. This is to expose him to the policies and rules of the
organisation to avoid problems later on. He must know the system and
work orders in order to carry out his tasks according to the work standards
that have been set. He must also know the other employees in the
organisation especially those in the same unit or department including the
manager, supervisor and other co-workers. An effective orientation

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

programme eases an employees entry into the organisation and enables

him to familiarise himself with the organisation, the job and other members
of the organisation as well as the surroundings.
(b)

An Employee has the Potential to Advance in His Career with the

Organisation
An employee who has the potential to hold a particular post in an
organisation will be given training as preparation to equip him with the
knowledge, skills, attitude and abilities needed when he is promoted. For
example, an officer who has the potential to be a manager needs a higher
level of efficiency because the duties and responsibilities are different.
Therefore, training must be carried out so that he will be ready with the
knowledge, skills and abilities needed for that position when the time
comes.

(c)

Decline in Job Performance

A training and development programme can help an employee to improve
his declining work performance. When a supervisor or manager finds that
an employees performance is not up to standard, although training has
been given, development activities through counselling can be carried out.
Counselling involves two important steps:
(i)

Counselling Analysis
A counselling analysis will try to identify the factors that contribute to
the declining performance of a particular employee. Is it caused by the
employees own weaknesses? Or is it caused by the work environment?
If it is caused by the employee himself, we have to study whether the
employee has been given sufficient training, his level of understanding
of the tasks to be carried out, and the level of his preparedness to carry
out the particular tasks and responsibilities. On the other hand, if the
work environment is the cause of the problem, for example, if the other
units or departments are always slow in giving him certain documents,
it will obviously affect his performance, as a situation like this is
obviously beyond his control.

(ii)

Discussions on Counselling
After the cause of an employees declining performance has been
identified, a face-to-face discussion between the supervisor and the
employee concerned needs to be held to find a solution. Two
approaches can be used for this purpose, namely, the Foumies and
Kinlaw (DeSimone, Werner and Harris, 2002) approaches. Both
approaches have similar ways of solving the problem, beginning with a
discussion between both parties involved regarding the cause of the
problem and the steps that should be taken to improve the situation.

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INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Foumies approach is more effective because it involves monitoring

and follow-up actions to make sure that the employee implements the
suggested proposals that have been discussed together.
(d)

Too Many Changes Taking Place

The many changes that take place today can influence the stability and
success of an organisation. Rapid changes in technology, globalisation and
knowledge are among the changes that are often associated with the
performance of an organisation. In order to handle the challenging
competition, an organisation needs employees who have the desired
qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities to help the organisation attain
its goals and to give it an advantage to compete. Training and development
play an important part in helping the organisation increase its competitive
edge.
Demands by clients that are becoming more precise and challenging are
among the changes that can influence and demand accuracy and speediness
of the production process and work system. To make sure that clients
demands are met, an organisation will be required to evaluate and change
the existing production process. If there are changes in the structure and
work system, the employees involved must be re-trained so that every
individual involved understands and will be able to carry out his job
according to the new system and working procedure.
Training should also be given if there are other changes in an organisation,
such as restructuring, changes in policies and regulations, new management,
implementation of quality management system, use of new machinery and
others. This is important to make sure their knowledge and skills are always
up to date.

ACTIVITY 1.2
Why is training given to a new employee? Discuss this with your
coursemates.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

ACTIVITY 1.3
1.

Surf http://www.astd.org. Choose one program offered by ASTD

and explain how it will benefit the employee and organisation.

2.

Get information on human resource development in Malaysia, surf

the Ministry of Human Resources website at http://www.jaring.my.
Discuss what you have found from the website with your
coursemates.

3.

Do you know that there are many internal and external changes in the
organisation that can influence training and development? Discuss
these in a group of four during your tutorial.

1.3

LEARNING AND TRAINING

We have discussed the meaning of training and development at the beginning of this
topic. Training and development involve the learning process with the objective of
increasing an employees capabilities and improve his work performance. An
effective learning process will lead to the enhancement of an employees level of
knowledge, skills and capabilities. As an example, an employee who joins an
organisation undergoes an orientation programme carried out by the human
resource development department. As a new employee, he does not have any
knowledge of the regulations and policies of the organisation. After undergoing an
organised learning process, the employee concerned would have learnt the
regulations and policies touched on during the training.
In general, learning can be seen as a change from the cognitive or behavioural
aspect, or the effects taking place in someone. This change usually takes place as
a result of mixing around or a persons experience with other people as well as
his environment. The change that takes place will continue until a new and
relevant learning process happens. Training should be given to all employees
involved when there is a change in the flow of the work system. The learning will
enable them to accept the new work system and forget the old one. This change
will continue until a time when this new system is altered and modified.
There are many theories about learning that influence a training and development
process such as Pavlovs classical conditioning theory, Thorndikes S-R theory and
Skinners operant conditioning theory. Their research concentrates on the outcome
of training that can be observed, which is the behaviour shown by an individual as
a result of training and development. A number of important implications of the
behavioural theory is summarised in Figure 1.2.

10 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Figure 1.2: Implications of the behavioural theory

Now, let us have a look at the implications above in detail:

(a)

Human beings react towards reinforcement. Therefore, organisations

should introduce reinforcements to motivate employees to take part in
training programmes and apply whatever they have learnt in their jobs.

(b)

Organised learning should be stressed on the individual. This is because an

employees performance is usually evaluated individually.

(c)

Rewards given for the outcome of positive learning should also be done on
an individual basis. This is necessary because every individual has his or
her own opinion  some may like a reward in the form of money, while
there are others who prefer status.

(d)

Training programmes should be developed from simple to more complex

or from general to more specific.

Cognitive-based learning programmes should look at the learning process,

especially at how an individual learns. Theory experts like Kohler (1925) and
Gagne (1968) believe that the course participants should participate actively in
the learning process to increase the outcome of that particular learning. Besides
the design of the programme, the trainer or the facilitator of the training also
plays an important role in improving the learning outcome. Among the
implications of the cognitive-based theory are:
(a)

Special attention should be given to the design of the training. Learning can
be increased if the participants take an active part in the activities
organised.

(b)

Information that needs to be conveyed should be well-arranged to facilitate

easy understanding and learning. Training should begin with information
that is short and simple, and later increased to more complex stages.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

(c)

11

Participants should learn how to learn. The ability to learn will help to
increase the participants learning outcome.

Besides the behaviour and cognitive theories, another theory which is closely
related to training is the adult learning theory. This theory focuses more on the
approach that should be used in training, or the andragogy approach. The adult
training approach or andragogy is used with the assumption that adults:
(a)

Would like to know why they have to learn something;

(b)

Are rich in knowledge and working experience which can be used as a

source to improve learning;

(c)

Are more ready to learn something which is necessary or closely related to

their current duties and responsibilities and which are of interest to them;
and

(d)

Are more motivated to learn if what they learn can be applied immediately
to solve their work problems.

Therefore, in order to carry out an effective training programme, an organisation

needs to address a few important matters concerning adult learning:
(a)

An employee should have the interest and desire to learn. Without interest
and desire, learning may not be successful because the employee will not be
able to concentrate fully on what is being taught;

(b)

All parties involved in the training programme must understand and know
the training objectives. The management, trainers and employees must
know what the employees are going to learn, why they are learning it and
what is to be achieved from the programme;

(c)

Training should be designed, implemented and evaluated systematically,

based on the needs and objectives set by the management in order to bridge
the gap or the training problems which have been identified;

(d)

Training should be adjusted to the wishes and needs of the individuals to

be trained because when their wishes are fulfilled, they feel happier and
more satisfied with the organisation; and

(e)

The methods used to carry out the programme should be varied as every
employee has his own way of learning. The uniqueness of an individual
demands that the trainer be more sensitive when choosing the methods and
techniques to suit the taste of the participant. Some employees prefer to
study on their own and at their own pace while others like to study in a
group as it gives them a better chance to interact among themselves.

12 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Every learning theory has its own focus:

(a)

The behavioural theory looks at the behaviour shown after undergoing

training;

(b)

The cognitive theory looks at the training process and the best way to
ensure a positive learning outcome; and

(c)

The adult education theory stresses more on the approach that needs to be
used during training.

Therefore, in order to have an effective programme, we should consider all the

learning theories and principles discussed.
(a)

Transfer of Training
Learning will not be effective if an employee does not make use of the
things learned. The training given will only be considered successful if an
employee puts what he has learnt into practice.
According to Baldwin and Ford (1988), using the knowledge, skills
and abilities learnt from workplace training shows that transfer of
learning has taken place.
The three identified factors that can increase learning and influence the
transfer of learning at the workplace are the characteristics of the
participant, the design of the training as well as the work environment.
Figure 1.3 shows more detail on how the three factors are related.

Figure 1.3: A transfer of learning model

Source: DeSimone, Werner & Harris (2002, p. 89)

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

(b)

13

Characteristics of the Participant

An employee who undergoes a training programme, needs to be motivated
to learn and should be able to use whatever that has been learnt at the work
place immediately. Job performance can only be improved if an employee
puts into practice the experience derived from the learning process at the
workplace.
A persons personality is also able to influence transfer of learning. The
willingness of the employee to undergo the training process is also
important as it can influence an active participation in the programme and
increases the chances of learning and transfer of training. For example, an
employee who is keen on being successful in his career, will consider a
training programme as a step towards improving his abilities. Therefore, he
will put in more effort in learning something which can be practised in his
career.

(c)

Design of Training
The principle of adult learning must be given attention when designing and
developing a training programme. This is important to make sure that the
employee is really interested and ready to learn. We must also make sure
that the programme fulfils the needs of the organisation, the job as well as
the employee itself. A programme that fulfils all these needs is considered
important by the employee in order to improve his capabilities and abilities.
Therefore, he will pay more attention during the programme and will make
use of the knowledge acquired when performing his job.
The arrangement and the contents taught during the training programme
also plays an important role in the transfer of training. A programme
usually starts with the basic knowledge and the level will be increased
during training to facilitate understanding and absorption in the learning
process. However, when choosing the contents of a programme, we must
also look at the employees level of knowledge. If the employee has the
basic knowledge on a particular topic, it is not necessary to stress on it
again. It is sufficient to do some revision before going to the next level.
Varying the methods and techniques used while carrying out the
programme is also important to increase learning and transfer of training.

(d)

Work Environment
Work environment refers to the environment aspect of the employee which
supports or prevents the effectiveness of transfer of training. Support from
all those involved is crucial to make sure that the employee puts into
practice the experience gained at his workplace. Managers, supervisors, coworkers, subordinates as well as the other employees must encourage the
employee to use whatever he has learnt to improve his performance, as

14 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

well as that of the department and organisation. Besides that, the employee
must be given the opportunity to practise what he/she has learnt at his/her
place of work. If the opportunity is not given, the knowledge and skills
obtained will be forgotten.
The three factors discussed are important and need to be given close attention so
that the learning process can be carried out effectively. This is because effective
learning can influence transfer of training at the work place.
Three types of transfer can take place:
(i)

Zero transfer, where transfer of training has not brought any changes in an
employees work performance.

(ii)

Positive transfer, where using the things learnt from the training at the
work place has improved the work performance of the employee.

(iii) Negative transfer, where transfer of learning causes the employees

performance to decline.
Transfer of training is important because the training that is carried out involves
costs on the part of the management. When transfer of learning takes place, the
organisation will benefit from the investment made. If not, it is a waste of money
because neither the worker nor the management has benefited from the
programme. So, the effectiveness and success of a training programme depends on
the ability of the employee to transfer and apply the knowledge gained at the work
place in order to improve his or her work as well as the performance of the
organisation.

ACTIVITY 1.4
1.

Among the three factors that can influence transfer of training,

which factor in your opinion is the most critical? Why?

2.

Are there any other factors that can influence you to learn at
your workplace? List them and try to discuss with your friends.

1.4

THE TRAINING PROCESS

The training process involves a few important steps. Nadler (1985) developed the
Critical Events Model as a guide for preparing an effective training process. This
model stresses on the learning aspect in training in order to equip the employee
with the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Nine steps are emphasised in
this model as seen in Figure 1.4.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

15

Figure 1.4: Critical event model

Source: Nadler (1985, p. 12)

Goldstein (1993), on the other hand, introduced the General System Model which
emphasises the validity aspect of the training that is carried out. It categorises
four important phases: needs evaluation, training and development, evaluation
and, lastly, training objectives. Figure 1.5 gives us a picture of this model.

16 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Figure 1.5: General system model

Source: Goldstein (1993, p. 21)

The needs evaluation phase is very critical as the decision-making related to

training and development will be based on its outcome. The outcome of the
needs evaluation will decide the programmes objectives and determine the
training evaluation criteria. Then, a programme which fulfils the identified needs
and the objectives that has been determined will be designed. After all the
preparations have been done, the training programme will be carried out. These
preparations include the choice of location, preparation of materials and
resources, scheduling and training plans.
A training evaluation can be carried out before, during or after its
implementation. Evaluation is done to ensure the effectiveness of the programme
that has been developed and carried out. The training objectives phase involves
evaluating the validity of the programme that has been carried out. The validity
of training measures the learning that exists whereas the validity of transfer looks
at the ability of the employees to apply the knowledge acquired during training
to improve their work performance. Internal validity compares the work of a
particular group with another group in the organisation which has undergone
the same training. External validity, on the other hand, looks at whether a
training programme which has been carried out effectively in one organisation
can be implemented in another.
Figure 1.6 shows the development process of a training programme by Noe
(2002).

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

17

Figure 1.6: A training development programme process model

Source: Noe (2002, p. 6)

The training process begins with needs analysis which is carried out in seven
stages. Let us discuss each stages shown in Figure 1.6.
(a)

The first step is the analysis of the organisation, duties and individuals to
decide the exact training needs.

(b)

The second step is to ensure that participants are ready to attend the
training and are motivated and able to learn.

(c)

The third step is needed to create a suitable learning environment so that

the objectives of the programme are materialised.

(d)

The fourth step involves transfer of learning to ensure the participants have
the opportunity to put into practice what has been learnt in the programme
at their work place.

(e)

The training evaluation should then be planned in order to measure its

effectiveness.

(f)

The sixth step stresses on the choice of suitable training methods and
techniques based on the objectives and learning environment.

(g)

The last step involves evaluating and monitoring the programme to ensure
that the objectives of the programme are achieved.

18 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

From the discussion earlier, we can summarise that in general, the activities in a
learning process can be divided into four phases as shown in Figure 1.7.

Figure 1.7: A training process

Every phase should be inter-related. Therefore, in order to come up with an

effective training programme, close attention should be given right from the first
step up to the last step of the process. We should also review the outcome of each
phase to identify any weakness or error. We will discuss each phase in the
following topics.

ACTIVITY 1.5
Watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85RVEas4AXs
titled HR Management: Training and Development by Dr Alysa
Lambert from the Indiana University Southeast. This video explains the
processes involved in training and development. Compare the training
process in this video with the training process in the module. Discuss
your comparisions during your tutorial.

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

19

Training and development are one of the functions of human resource that
should be implemented so that an employee is equipped with the knowledge,
skills and abilities required to help realise the objectives of the organisation.

Staff competition and ongoing changes demand an organisation to react

accordingly. Therefore, an organisation needs employees who are capable,
knowledgeable, skilful and are able to give the organisation a competitive
edge.

Training and development should be done continuously.

Training and development are necessary for new and existing employees,
employees with potential for promotion and even problematic employees.

Training and development are very important in improving the performance

of the employees and the organisation.

Many theories on learning have become the basis for training and learning:
behavioural theory, cognitive theory and adult learning theory.

Training is considered effective if an employee applies the things learnt at the

workplace.

The effectiveness and success of a training programme depends a lot on the

ability of employees to transfer and apply the knowledge and skills gained to
improve their work and organisational performance.

Four key steps or phases in a training process that need to be addressed are
needs analysis, design, implementation and evaluation.

Every step is closely inter-related, and the outcome of each step will form the
input for the next step. Therefore, all the four steps in a training process
should be given special attention.

20 X TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Adult learning theory

Negative transfer of learning

Behavioural theory

Positive transfer of learning

Cognitive theory

Training

Development

Training process

Education

Transfer of learning

Human resource development

Zero transfer of learning

Essay Questions
1.

What is the connection between training and development in human

resource management?

2.

Explain the differences between training and development.

3.

What do you understand by learning concepts?

4.

State the differences between behavioural theory and cognitive theory.

5.

Explain the transfer of learning concept.

Multiple Choice Questions

1.

____________ covers organised learning activities that are continuous and

systemically planned by the management.
A

Planning and recruitment

B.

Human resource management

C.

Performance appraisal

D.

Training and development

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT W

2.

3.

4.

5.

21

_____________ is the learning process for the development of the employee

in general and also for his future job.
A.

Development

B.

Training

C.

Learning

D.

Education

Learning involves the changes that take place in a person from

the_____________ aspect.
A.

affective

B.

cognitive

C.

behavioural

D.

all of the above

Using the knowledge, skills and ability gained from training at the work
place shows that _____________ has taken place.
A.

experience

B.

development

C.

learning

D.

transfer

All the steps below are included in the training process EXCEPT:
A.

Planning

B.

Evaluation

C.

Needs analysis

D.

Design

Essay Questions
1.

Internal and external changes can influence training and development in an

organisation. Write a short explanation by giving relevant examples.

2.

Explain briefly the role of the learning theory in training and development.

3.

What are the three factors that can influence transfer of learning at the
workplace? Discuss.

4.

State the differences and similarities of the three training models discussed
in this topic.