Factors Affecting Transfer
of Training in Thailand
Siriporn Yamnill, Gary N. McLean
To begin the validation process for the Learning Transfer System Inventory
(LTSI) in Thailand, research replicating Holton, Bates, and Ruona’s study
(2000) was conducted in Thailand. The LTSI was administered to 1,029
employees. Exploratory factor analysis and MANOVA were used to
identify factors. A factor structure almost identical to that of Holton and
colleagues was identified. Perceived content validity of the training was
identified as the most important factor. Organization type created the
greatest number of differences among variables tested.
For more than three decades, organizations in Thailand have focused on train-
ing and development as a tool for improving employee job performance. In
1997 (Tirakanon), 1,439 private and public organizations in Thailand orga-
nized training to expand and strengthen the business sector. Because of the
1997 economic crisis in Thailand, many training and HRD interventions faced
constricted budgets (C. Na Chiangmai, personal communication, Nov. 1999).
Most organizations have continued only those training programs that are really
needed and can be expected to increase employees’ work performance imme-
diately. As a result, many administrators ask to see the results and outcomes of
training. Evaluating the effectiveness of formal training and return on training
investment are critical issues (Na Chiangmai, 1999).
According to Kirkpatrick (1994), the key criterion for evaluating training
effectiveness is transfer of training. Transfer of training is defined as the degree
to which trainees apply the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes gained
in training to their job (Wexley and Latham, 1991). There is consensus that
acquiring knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes in training is of little value
if the new characteristics are not generalized to the job setting or are not main-
tained over time (Kozlowski and Salas, 1997).
Transfer of training is a critical outcome of HRD. Research during the last
ten years has demonstrated that transfer of training is complex and involves
multiple factors and influences (Baldwin and Ford, 1988; Ford and Weisbein,
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HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY, vol. 16, no. 3, Fall 2005
Copyright © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.