An analysis of the problems associated with transfer of learning relating to management training in social services departments

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Tolley, A.-M., 1989. An analysis of the problems associated with transfer of learning relating to management training in social services departments. MPhil, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature and extent of transfer of learning problems relating to management training (mt) in Local Authority Social Services Departments (SSDs). It particularly focuses on the factors which enhance or inhibit the application of learning to work practices. The ultimate aim of the study is to enable the effectiveness of such mt to be increased by the formulation of strategies for anticipating and reducing the impact of potential transfer blockages.

Data has been collected by means of:

1 The circulation of a Questionnaire to all SSDs in England and Wales.

2 Semi-structured interviews with staff who have undergone management training in a particular SSD - (Dept A).

3 A number of unstructured interviews with Training Officers (TOs), participants and line managers in a small sample of departments and with some tutors of SSD mt programmes.

In addition, a review of the literature concerning

1 The purpose and methods of and trends in mt being carried out in SSDs; and

2 Transfer of learning problems associated with mt generally

provides, with the author's personal experience as a SSD TO and manager, a framework against which the data can be discussed.

In order to identify blockages to transfer within the particular context of this study, the nature of SSDs as organisations is also discussed and reference is made to the literature on mt in other human service organisations.

This study, then attempts to provide an analysis of how mt is currently provided in SSDs; of how such training is evaluated in terms of its effects on working practices; of what trainers and participants perceive to be the main blockages to effective transfer; and of how SSDs are building in strategies to overcome or limit such blockages.