An Evaluation of Management Training: Part III: Changes in Work Behaviour

The aim of the present study was to measure the effects of a management training course on the work behaviour of a group of scientists and technicians who performed supervisory roles within their organisations. A matched control group consisted of non‐trainees who were scheduled to take part in similar courses in the future. The study was designed to determine whether the observed changes in behaviour were due to the training course itself or to other factors operating within the work environment, and for this reason, a no‐training control group was employed as well as measures of organisational climate. Both self reports and the assessment of the subjects' superior officers were recorded. A longitudinal design evaluated effects on trainees work behaviour at three, six and 12 months following training. Moderate effects were observed throughout the follow‐up period although some gradual fall‐off in behaviour occurred. Both qualitative and quanitative aspects of the observed changes were examined. In addition to measuring actual changes in behaviour, immediate post‐training intentions were compared with post‐training outcomes. Personal characteristics of age, tenure and leadership experience were not found to be significantly related to behavioural changes at work.