The positive gain spiral of job resources, work engagement, opportunity and motivation on training transfer

Abstract

AbstractAccording to previous studies, general environmental characteristics and job‐related factors influence employees' transfer of learned skills to the job. However, among job‐related variables, the role of work engagement in connection with transfer motivation, opportunity and training transfer has not received much research attention. Building upon the theoretical background of the Job Demands‐Resources Model, the present study investigated the relationship between job resources/demands and training transfer through work engagement, transfer motivation and opportunity to transfer. Based on data from 311 working adults who participated in soft skill training programmes, job resources were associated with higher levels of training transfer through increased work engagement, motivation and opportunity to transfer. In contrast, job demands had negative relationships with transfer via work engagement and opportunity to transfer. The findings supported the assumption of the positive gain spiral in the transfer context. We conclude that companies should prioritize the development of job resources to provide a better environment for training transfer.