Organizational Influences on the Motivation to Transfer Soft Skill Training in an Indian Power Organization

Abstract

The study extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in examining the influence of key organizational antecedents (supervisory and peer support, opportunities to use the training provided and rewards) on the motivation to transfer (MTT) soft skill training. Trainee self-efficacy (SE) and the desire to learn (DL) are also examined as mediators in determining this influence. The sample included 389 employees from a state-owned power transmission organization in Odisha, India. The resultant findings note the direct and positive influence of organizational antecedents on MTT, SE and DL. Trainee SE and DL partially mediate the association between organizational antecedents and MTT. Given a lack of focus on soft skill training transfer in the Indian power sector, this study is of immense value in identifying relevant organizational enablers that motivate the transfer of soft skills. The study also advances the knowledge on the direct and indirect influence of organizational antecedents on MTT in the Indian cultural context.