Motivation on training transfer: a moderated moderation model of personal capacity for transfer and gender

Purpose

Previous research suggests that motivation to transfer is related to the effective transfer of training, but less is known about the boundary conditions of this relationship. Therefore, this study aims to propose that motivation to transfer is more strongly related to training transfer when employees have a stronger personal capacity for transfer. The author also hypothesizes that this two-way interaction is further moderated by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design and a sample of 257 Tunisian workers, a three-way interaction model with the PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2018) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that workers respond to motivation to transfer with increased training transfer. Personal capacity for transfer and gender moderated the proposed relationship. Thus, the interaction effect between motivation to transfer and personal capacity for transfer is significant for women but not significant for men. More specifically, motivation to transfer is more likely to predict training transfer among women with high personal capacity for transfer than among those with low.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on motivation to transfer and training transfer by explaining two boundary conditions in this relationship and by recognizing the conditional interaction effect of gender on the moderating effect of personal capacity for transfer.