Training & Development Journal

This study was undertaken to assess how trainers perceive the relative effectiveness of nine alternate training methods for achieving six training objectives. The nine methods were case-study, lecture, one-to-one training, role play, business games, simulations, programmed instruction, computer-based training (CBT) and sensitivity training. The six training objectives considered were knowledge acquisition, attitude change, problem solving, interpersonal skill development, participant acceptance and knowledge retention. Responses were obtained from 217 training managers through an online questionnaire who were part of the top 500 Indian companies (as per the ET500 list, 2012). The analysis revealed that one-to-one method reported as the most frequently used method was relatively less effective in attaining all the six training objectives. While lectures were preferred in attaining all training objectives, except interpersonal skill development where sensitivity training was preferred the most. Implications of the study have been discussed in this paper.