Trainees' reactions to training: an analysis of the factors affecting overall satisfaction with training

Abstract

The study examines a relatively neglected, but important, aspect of the analysis and evaluation of training, namely trainees' immediate reaction to training. In particular, we focused on an analysis of the factors that affect participants' overall satisfaction with training. We first identified three key situational antecedents of training satisfaction, including trainees' perceptions of the efficiency and usefulness of the training, and their perceptions of trainer performance. Specific hypotheses relating each of these factors to training satisfaction were then developed and tested using data from a sample of about 3000 trainees from a range of Italian companies participating in a large-scale regionally-funded training programme involving over 300 different training courses. The results revealed that, although all three hypothesised antecedents were significantly positively related to training satisfaction, the perceived usefulness of training had the strongest effect. Importantly, the results also suggest the lack of any clear compensatory effects of the three antecedents on training satisfaction. Theoretical and policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• reaction evaluation
• trainee perceptions
• training evaluation
• training satisfaction

Notes

1. The information in this section is based on official Fondimpresa documents.

2. Ministerial Decree of 28 November 2002.

3. The difference between the number of workers trained and participants is accounted for by the fact that some workers took part in several courses.