Enhancing transfer of training in a power major in India

Purpose This study has applied the model by Baldwin and Ford (1988) to empirically examine the influence of select trainee characteristics (i.e. instrumentality and motivation to transfer) and transfer design as a training design factor on the transfer of training to work. It also investigates the possible mediating role of the motivation to transfer and the moderating role of social support at work (comprising supervisor and peer support) in the transfer mechanism. Design/methodology/approach A self-reported questionnaire was used to survey employees working in a power major in India. In the first stage, we selected one geographical region of the organization using judgmental sampling. In the next stage, executives and non-executives from all five coal-based power stations in that region were selected using systematic sampling. Responses from 411 such employees were analyzed using PROCESS Macro in SPSS. A mediation analysis was done using Model 4, while the moderated mediation hypotheses were tested using Model 7 in PROCESS Macro. Findings Instrumentality and transfer design were found to impact training transfer through motivation to transfer. While supervisor support moderated the mediational impact of both predictors through transfer motivation, peer support moderated only the impact of instrumentality on transfer through transfer motivation. Originality/value This is the first empirical work that has integrated important predictors at trainee, training design, and work environment levels based on the perspective of factors an organization can control. Besides, establishing supervisor and peer support as contextual factors adds to the celebrated model by Baldwin and Ford.