Organisational factors affecting learning transfer in the public service

M.Phil. (Human Resources Management)The objective of this study was to identify and describe organisational factors that affect learning transfer in the South African Public Service. The study was conducted utilising a mixed method approach with both qualitative and quantitative methods enjoying equal status and implemented concurrently. 5 participants (Managers) from the department were interviewed using semi structured interview methodology as part of the qualitative methods and the findings were interpreted using the thematic content analysis technique and various themes were identified. It was found that factors that affect learning transfer include resource availability, supervisor role, mentorship and coaching, non-alignment of training goals with organisational goals, poor organisational planning and weak controls, management and leadership change, resistance to change and organisational culture. The above factors confirmed that there was a link between organisational context and transfer of learning, this being one of the questions that the study sought to respond to. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 150 respondents and 90 questionnaires were received back, this constituted a 60% response rate. The data from the questionnaires was interpreted using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Factors that were identified as affecting learning transfer include opportunity to practice, positional power and peer support, resource availability, performance culture, management support, feedback and reward and organisational monitoring mechanisms. The findings from the two methods were integrated and corroborated each other which strengthened the value add of utilising mixed method approach. A description of the organisational factors affecting learning transfer was provided in addition to them being identified. The study proposed that governmental institutions like Palama conduct a large scale research throughout the public service utilising a mixed method approach as part of impact analysis, this study will provide the basis on which to initiate the project