Never Too Early: Learning Transfer System Factors Affecting Motivation to Transfer Before and After Training Programs

Abstract

The influence of various learning transfer system factors on transfer motivation has been demonstrated in previous research. However, studies examining the influences of different factors simultaneously and at different points in time (i.e., before and after training programs) are missing. We seek to fill this gap by collecting data at two points of measurement to find out which Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) factors influence transfer motivation before training, after training, or at both points of time (N = 353 line managers). Results from an overall model showed that six factors in the pre-training stage and three factors in the post-training stage are significant predictors for transfer motivation. Additionally, the factors before training influenced transfer motivation after training indirectly through pre-training motivation. The study underpins the importance of pre-training conditions for transfer motivation and offers advice to practitioners about focusing on specific factors at different times in the training transfer process.