The training director : competencies for the future

Abstract

Preparing individuals for their roles at some future date using information from only the past or present seems inappropriate. The current literature did not reveal any research directed toward the future roles, responsibilities, or competencies that a training director must face. Therefore, this study addressed that apparent lack of information, concentrating on the competencies that training directors of the future will be required to possess. To provide the most accurate information about future competencies, knowledgeable individuals in the fields were requested to participate in the study. The Delphi technique for gathering data was employed because the technique is based on the input of experts in the field. Each of those involved participated in three rounds of the Delphi process. Round One solicited four statements regarding the participants' opinions of what competencies would be required of future training directors. These statements from the participants were edited and formed into a Round Two Likert-type instrument. Round Three provided feedback to the participants and the responses to Round Three provided the necessary data required to conduct statistical analyses for determining the competencies that will be required of the training director in the near future. The analyses revealed that the training director of the future must be competent in the following major areas: (1) Individual and organization needs. (2) Instructional technology. (3) General management skills. (4) Formal education and training experience. (5) External training and education. (6) Program design and development. (7) Learning theory. (8) Management of the training and development function. (9) Technical, training skills. (10) Organizational development. Further analyses were conducted to determine if significant differences existed between the American Society of Training and Development and the American Management Association group responses. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that there were no significant differences between the group responses. It is recommended that...