Predicting Autonomous and Controlled Motivation to Transfer Training

In spite of a broad consensus on the importance of motivation for the transfer of learning from training to the job in work organizations, studies investigating motivation to transfer are limited. This study combines the self-determination theory, the expectancy theory and the theory of planned behaviour to provide a theoretical framework for investigating attitudes towards training content, relatedness and instructional satisfaction as predictors of two dimensions of transfer motivation: autonomous motivation to transfer and controlled motivation to transfer. A total of 444 subjects, trained in 23 occupational health and safety training courses, completed multi-item questionnaires immediately following training. Structural equation modelling procedures indicate that controlled motivation to transfer was affected by attitudes towards training content and that autonomous motivation to transfer was affected by attitudes, relatedness and instructional satisfaction. The results are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications for training effectiveness associated with the interplay of motivation and transfer in professional training.

[1]  V. Vroom.  Work and motivation , 1964 .

[2]  K. Widaman.  Hierarchically Nested Covariance Structure Models for Multitrait-Multimethod Data , 1985 .

[3]  R. Noe.  Trainees' Attributes and Attitudes: Neglected Influences on Training Effectiveness , 1986 .

[4]  P. M. Podsakoff,et al.  Self-Reports in Organizational Research: Problems and Prospects , 1986 .

[5]  Timothy T. Baldwin,et al.  TRANSFER OF TRAINING: A REVIEW AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH , 1988 .

[6]  Peter M. Bentler,et al.  EQS : structural equations program manual , 1989 .

[7]  R. Ryan,et al.  Perceived locus of causality and internalization: examining reasons for acting in two domains. , 1989, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[8]  R. Kanfer.  Motivation theory and industrial and organizational psychology. , 1990 .

[9]  S. Hershberger,et al.  A Simple Rule for Generating Equivalent Models in Covariance Structure Modeling. , 1990, Multivariate behavioral research.

[10]  I. Ajzen.  The theory of planned behavior , 1991 .

[11]  Cecilia M. Falbe,et al.  Training‐related Variables, Gender and Training Outcomes: A Field Investigation , 1993 .

[12]  S. Chaiken,et al.  The psychology of attitudes. , 1993 .

[13]  Steffanie L. Wilk,et al.  Investigation of the factors that influence employees' participation in development activities. , 1993 .

[14]  W. V. Eerde,et al.  Vroom's expectancy models and work-related criteria: A meta-analysis , 1996 .

[15]  Lisa A. Burke,et al.  Improving positive transfer: A test of relapse prevention training on transfer outcomes , 1997 .

[16]  S. Maitlis,et al.  Predicting immediate and longer-term transfer of training , 1997 .

[17]  Mark E. Van Buren,et al.  The 1999 ASTD state of the industry report , 1998 .

[18]  Elwood F. Holton,et al.  Factors Affecting Motivation to Transfer Training. , 1998 .

[19]  Rex B. Kline,et al.  Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling , 1998 .

[20]  Duane T. Wegener,et al.  Evaluating the use of exploratory factor analysis in psychological research. , 1999 .

[21]  P. Bentler,et al.  Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis : Conventional criteria versus new alternatives , 1999 .

[22]  Peter Warr,et al.  Predicting three levels of training outcome , 1999 .

[23]  R. MacCallum,et al.  Applications of structural equation modeling in psychological research. , 2000, Annual review of psychology.

[24]  E. Deci,et al.  Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. , 2000, The American psychologist.

[25]  E. Deci,et al.  The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior , 2000 .

[26]  K. Peter Kuchinke,et al.  The role of feedback in management training settings , 2000 .

[27]  Elwood F. Holton,et al.  Development of a generalized learning transfer system inventory , 2000 .

[28]  S. Volet.  Emerging trends in recent research on motivation in learning contexts , 2001 .

[29]  James A. Pershing,et al.  Ineffective reaction evaluation , 2001 .

[30]  I. Ajzen.  Nature and operation of attitudes. , 2001, Annual review of psychology.

[31]  Gary N. McLean,et al.  Theories Supporting Transfer of Training. , 2001 .

[32]  Elwood F. Holton,et al.  The relationship between learner utility reactions and predicted learning transfer among trainees , 2002 .

[33]  Elwood F. Holton,et al.  The Effects of Personality, Affectivity, and Work Commitment on Motivation to Improve Work through Learning. , 2002 .

[34]  M. Conner,et al.  Can the Theory of Planned Behaviour mediate the effects of age, gender and multidimensional health locus of control? , 2002, British journal of health psychology.

[35]  Martin S. Hagger,et al.  The influence of autonomous and controlling motives on physical activity intentions within the Theory of Planned Behaviour. , 2002, British journal of health psychology.

[36]  Martyn Standage,et al.  A model of contextual motivation in physical education: Using constructs from self-determination and achievement goal theories to predict physical activity intentions. , 2003 .

[37]  Allen I. Huffcutt,et al.  A Review and Evaluation of Exploratory Factor Analysis Practices in Organizational Research , 2003 .

[38]  R. Ryan,et al.  Interpersonal relatedness, self-definition, and their motivational orientation during adolescence: a theoretical and empirical integration. , 2003, Developmental psychology.

[39]  K. Yuan,et al.  Mardia's Multivariate Kurtosis with Missing Data , 2004 .

[40]  H. Marsh,et al.  In Search of Golden Rules: Comment on Hypothesis-Testing Approaches to Setting Cutoff Values for Fit Indexes and Dangers in Overgeneralizing Hu and Bentler's (1999) Findings , 2004 .

[41]  E. Deci,et al.  Intrinsic Need Satisfaction: A Motivational Basis of Performance and Weil‐Being in Two Work Settings1 , 2004 .

[42]  E. A. Locke,et al.  What Should we do About Motivation Theory? Six Recommendations for the Twenty-First Century , 2004 .

[43]  Constantine Kontoghiorghes,et al.  Reconceptualizing the Learning Transfer Conceptual Framework: Empirical Validation of a New Systemic Model , 2004 .

[44]  Toby Marshall Egan,et al.  The effects of organizational learning culture and job satisfaction on motivation to transfer learning and turnover intention , 2004 .

[45]  E. Deci,et al.  Self‐determination theory and work motivation , 2005 .

[46]  From Return on Investment to Added Value Evaluation: The Foundation for Organizational Learning , 2005 .

[47]  Bernard P. Veldkamp,et al.  Exploring differential effects of supervisor support on transfer of training , 2005 .

[48]  G. Latham,et al.  Work motivation theory and research at the dawn of the twenty-first century. , 2005, Annual review of psychology.

[49]  Michael P. Clements.  Decision-based Evaluation , 2005 .

[50]  Doo Hun Lim,et al.  Influence of Trainee Characteristics, Instructional Satisfaction, and Organizational Climate on Perceived Learning and Training Transfer , 2006 .

[51]  Kevin J. Pugh,et al.  Motivational Influences on Transfer , 2006 .

[52]  Julia Leitl,et al.  Die Bedeutung des Arbeitsumfelds für die Veränderung der Transfermotivation , 2006 .

[53]  Wei‐Tao Tai.  Effects of training framing, general self‐efficacy and training motivation on trainees' training effectiveness , 2006 .

[54]  Martin S. Hagger,et al.  The Process by Which Relative Autonomous Motivation Affects Intentional Behavior: Comparing Effects Across Dieting and Exercise Behaviors , 2006 .

[55]  C. Armitage,et al.  The Influence of Perceived Loci of Control and Causality in the Theory of Planned Behavior in a Leisure‐Time Exercise Context , 2007 .

[56]  Jens Rowold,et al.  The impact of personality on training-related aspects of motivation: Test of a longitudinal model , 2007 .

[57]  R. Vallerand,et al.  Autonomous, Controlled, and Amotivated Types of Academic Motivation: A Person-Oriented Analysis , 2007 .

[58]  Holly M. Hutchins,et al.  Training Transfer: An Integrative Literature Review , 2007 .

[59]  Christopher P. Niemiec,et al.  On the relations among work value orientations, psychological need satisfaction and job outcomes: A self-determination theory approach. , 2007 .

[60]  Peter Caputi,et al.  Exploring the Role of Goal Theory in Understanding Training Motivation , 2008 .

[61]  Stefan Hoffmann,et al.  The Impact of Practical Relevance on Training Transfer: Evidence from a Service Quality Training Program for German Bank Clerks , 2008 .

[62]  Gerard J. Fogarty,et al.  The Effects of Self‐Efficacy, Motivation to Transfer, and Situational Constraints on Transfer Intentions and Transfer of Training , 2008 .

[63]  K. Kraiger,et al.  Benefits of training and development for individuals and teams, organizations, and society. , 2009, Annual review of psychology.