How and to what extent does training transfer climate and training design shape transfer of training: evidence from a meta-analysis study

Malabika Sahoo, Umesh Bamel, Peter Stokes, Md Aqeel Nasim and Manoranjan Dhal

Evidence-based HRM, 2026, 1-20

Abstract: PurposeThis study examines the relationship between training transfer climate and training design on transfer of training (TOT). It synthesizes findings from previous empirical studies using a meta-analytic framework. Additionally, subgroup moderation and meta-regression were performed to analyze the plausible reasons for equivocal findings across studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a meta-analysis technique to present the findings reported by 51 prior empirical studies on TOT, incorporating bivariate and moderation analyses.FindingsThe findings reveal that training transfer climate (peer support, supervisory support, organizational support, opportunity to use, and rewards) and training design (transfer design and perceived content validity) positively influence TOT. The study also examined the moderating effects of types of training (hard vs. soft skills), culture (high vs. low power distance and collectivism vs. individualism), and gender (male vs. female). The results show that these moderators explain inconsistent findings in the TOT literature. The study offers insightful recommendations for human resource development managers and practitioners to maximize the likelihood of TOT.Practical implicationsThe study offers insightful recommendations for human resource development managers and practitioners to maximize the likelihood of TOT.Originality/valueThe study bears significant theoretical contributions by providing generalizable results and shedding light on equivocal findings in the TOT literature.

Keywords: Transfer of training; Training design; Training transfer climate; Types of training; Power distance cultures; Meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ebhrmp:ebhrm-03-2025-0117

DOI: 10.1108/EBHRM-03-2025-0117

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