Training-related Variables,Gender and Training Outcomes: A Field Investigation

A two-week training programme was provided to male and female trainees. Data were collected on each of the subject's locus of control and on each subject's perception of the degree to which their work environment would be supportive of application of skills acquired in training. The outcome variables measured for the 73 trainees (35 males, 38 females) included motivation to transfer, evaluation of the training programme, the grade achieved at the conclusion of training, self-report and immediate superior's evaluation of the use of acquired skills. Data were also collected on seniority. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test the effect of gender, and training-related variables on training outcomes. Controlling for the effect of seniority the data indicated that gender had an impact on motivation to transfer, and gender and seniority both had a significant effect on reaction to the course. Perceived work environment support and its interaction with seniority also accounted for a significant portion of explained variance of motivation to transfer and reactions to the course. Locus of control did not have a significant effect on four of the training outcomes but the interaction of locus of control and seniority affected the superior's evaluation of the use of skills. The results are discussed in terms of their tactical and strategic implications for the relationship between training-related variables and gender.