Exploring trainee characteristics affecting transfer of training: vocational training of media employees in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Most organizations view training and development as a fundamental part of human resource development. While training and development aim at changing the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a trainee resulting in a positive change in behaviour, transfer of training is deemed as a major problem in the transfer of knowledge, skills and attitudes from a training to a job. Researchers, practitioners and academics have believed for three decades that the transfer of training is approximately 20–30%. Numerous studies have been conducted to find the reasons for such a low rate of transfer of training. To better understand the low rate of transfer of training and its relationship with context, this study features survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with the employees of eight media organizations of Pakistan. The primary research question is as follows: What trainee characteristics influenced transfer of training by trainees back to their jobs before, during and after training?