Title: Explaining the (In)effectiveness of on-the-job training

Authors: Marcel R. Van Der Klink, Jan N. Streumer

Addresses: Ruud De Moor Centre, Open University of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' University of Rotterdam, VET and HRD, P.O. Box 2680, 3000 CR Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper discusses the design and outcomes of a study into the effectiveness of on-the-job training (OJT). The study was carried out at the privately owned post offices where novice desk clerks learned the ropes under the guidance of a mentor. A pre-test-post-test design was used and data were collected from trainees, their mentors and trainers. Regression analyses were used to investigate relationships between various variables and training effects. The findings indicate that the training was partly successful. Primarily workplace characteristics and trainee characteristics explained the observed training effects.

Keywords: on-the-job training; training effectiveness; mentors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2006.009752

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.1, pp.114 - 130

Published online: 09 May 2006 *

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