The relative impact of workplace design on training transfer

The study investigated worker perceptions of the relative impact of workplace design on training transfer. Although HRD [human resource development] research recognises the influence of organisational context on worker ability and opportunity to transfer, the physical environment has been overlooked. This study applied environment and behaviour research to human resource development needs in an examination of workplace design. Taking an ethnographic approach, the study found cumulative frequencies for elicited responses about organisational factors were highest for workplace design perceived to impede transfer and second highest for workplace design perceived to facilitate transfer. Further, of the individual attributes per organisational factor, workplace design features that did not support privacy needs were elicited most often as impeding transfer.

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The study investigated worker perceptions of the relative impact of workplace design on training transfer. Although HRD [human resource development] research recognises the influence of organisational context on worker ability and opportunity to transfer, the physical environment has been overlooked. This study applied environment and behaviour research to human resource development needs in an examination of workplace design. Taking an ethnographic approach, the study found cumulative frequencies for elicited responses about organisational factors were highest for workplace design ...  [+] Show more