An application of Clark and Estes gap analysis model to improve training transfer at a midsize pharmaceutical company

In the United States, companies spend billions of dollars each year in employee training. According to the Association for Training and Development (ATD), the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance; in 2011 U.S. companies spent approximately $156.2 billion on employee training and development (ASTD, 2011). In spite of these staggering investments in employee training, there is evidence in the literature suggesting that only a small percentage of the investments in training are producing the desired training transfer results (Grossman & Salas, 2010; Ringo & McDonald, 2008). ❧ In this qualitative study, the Clark and Estes (2008) gap analysis framework was applied to examine the effect that knowledge, skills, motivation, and organizational influences have on training transfer at a mid-size biotech company. Interviews, observations and document/artifact review were used to confirm the assumed knowledge, motivation, and organizational influences. Participants in the study were current, and former pharmaceutical trainers and current and former pharmaceutical training directors. The analysis of the garnered qualitative data validated all the assumed knowledge, motivation, and organizational influences. That is to say, that the trainers do not have the declarative knowledge about training transfer and the procedural knowledge to deploy transfer strategies. Trainers also do not have the self-efficacy in their ability to promote transfer and they do not have a mastery orientation. Lastly, the organization needs to promote mastery orientation instead of competition, they also need to implement policies and practices that lead to greater retention among trainers and the organization needs to adequately fund the training department. Several recommendations are made to address the validated influences. An implementation and evaluation plan is provided to, which is based on the New World Kirkpatrick model (2016).