Training Readiness

For a program to be successful, readiness for training should be assessed on two dimensions: employee characteristics and work environment. The employee characteristics that are relevant to training are the ability to learn the subject matter, attitudes toward training, and motivation to learn. Even if these are present, however, training will not be effective unless there is a positive work environment$-$an environment that encourages learning and eliminates obstacles for trainee success. This activity is important because training is more effective when employees are properly prepared for it$.$

An important characteristic of employee readiness is having basic learning skills, especially cognitive ability that includes using written and spoken language, solving math problems, and using logic to solve problems. If employees lack certain basic skills, they may have to attend some remedial classes before participating in job$-$related training. Seeing potential benefits from training programs may increase employee motivation to participate. Readiness for training also depends on work environment characteristics called situational constraints and social support. Constraints can include the limits of training's effectiveness from within the organization, such as lack of money or lack of time for training and practicing. Social support refers to the ways that the organization encourages training by expressing positive attitudes toward its training programs.