Effectiveness Evaluation of Behavioural Training and Development Programmes

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to advance the understanding of the evaluation of training and development programmes, particularly behavioural training and development programmes. The paper explains trends and issues in evaluating the impact of such programmes, as mediated by HR outcome (i.e. behaviour) of programmes by reviewing the results of previous studies that have investigated the relationship between behavioural training and development programmes and their effectiveness and impact on the individual and the organisation. The review highlights that behavioural training and development is an area which calls for focus on a more comprehensive approach towards evaluation of effectiveness of programmes conducted with a purpose to impact the behaviour of people. An attempt has been made to provide a brief analysis of various approaches and methodologies developed for such evaluation, scope and developments already made in the field, gaps in literature to provide ways for measurement of Return on Investment of such programmes and directions for future research. This endeavor is expected to stimulate and encourage debate about the challenges in behavioural ability and behavioural outcome evaluation.