Measuring the organizational impact of training: The need for greater methodological rigor

Thomas Garavan, Alma MacCarthy, Maura Sheehan, Yanqing Lai, Mark Saunders, Nicholas Clarke, Ronan Carbery, Valarie Shanahan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)
758 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We review the methodological rigor of empirical quantitative studies that have investigated the training and organizational performance relationship. Through a content analysis of 217 studies published in quality journals, we demonstrate significant validity threats (internal, external construct, and statistical conclusion validity) that raise questions about the methodological rigor of the field. Our findings suggest that the time is appropriate for a renewed methodological endeavor to understanding the relationship between training and organizational performance. We make specific recommendations to enhance methodological rigor and generate research findings that will enhance operationalization of theory, help researchers to make inferences about causality, and inform the decision-making of Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-309
Number of pages30
JournalHuman Resource Development Quarterly
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2019

Bibliographical note

Garavan, T, McCarthy, A, Sheehan, M, et al. Measuring the organizational impact of training: The need for greater methodological rigor. Human Resource Development Quarterly. 2019; 1– 19. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21345

Keywords

  • methodological rigor
  • training and organizational performance
  • validity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

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