Transfer of training: the role of feedback in supportive social networks

TLDR

Transfer of training to the workplace frequently fails, but workplace-generated feedback on skill application can bridge the gap between current performance and full application of learned skills. The study investigates how feedback within a social network promotes motivation to transfer and actual transfer of training. Using a social network perspective, the authors examine how feedback from network members influences motivation and transfer. The study found that a larger number of helpful feedback providers boosts motivation and transfer, whereas higher feedback frequency is negatively associated, highlighting feedback’s importance and the benefit of a social network perspective.

Abstract

The transfer of training to the workplace often fails to occur. The authors argue that feedback generated within the work environment about the application of newly learned skills in the workplace helps to close the gap between the current performance and the desired goal of full application of what is learned during training. This study takes a social network perspective and explores the role of feedback generated within the social network in fostering motivation‐to‐transfer and the transfer of training. The results show that the number of people providing feedback and the helpfulness of this feedback are positively related to the motivation for and actual transfer of training. The frequency of feedback appears to be negatively related. This study underlines the importance of feedback in turning the workplace into a learning environment fostering the transfer of training. It also suggests the value of adopting a social network perspective.