The Influence of Motivation to Transfer, Action Planning, and Manager Support on the Transfer Process

This study investigated the influence of three variables (motivation to transfer, action planning as an intervention designed to promote transfer, and perception of manager support) on the transfer of skills taught in three interpersonal skills courses in a major corporation. The research was based on a reconceptualization of transfer as a process rather than an event or “product.” Transfer was assessed in terms of initiation of transfer, frequency of transfer, and overall transfer. Perception of manager support for the utilization of the skills exerted considerably more influence on the transfer process than did motivation. The influence of the action planning intervention was ambiguous. The findings suggest that designers and evaluators must take such influences—especially manager support-into account throughout the design, development, implementation and evaluation phases of training programs.