Conceptual Versus Competency Approach in Human Relations Training Programs

This study examines how the changes in the Carkhuff Human Resources Development (HRD) training model affect the acquisition of defined interpersonal discrimination and communication skills. A competency-based HRD (post-1974) counselor training group was compared with a conceptual-based (pre-1974) human relations counselor training group and a no-contact counselor training group. Although the groups were equivalent on the pretest, the posttest results show statistically significant differences (p >.01) between all groups as a result of training. The findings support the competency-based training as more effective than the conceptual-based human relations training in acquiring interpersonal counseling skills.