Connections or linkages of training with learning and performance may be tenuous,
at best. The linking of training outcomes with regular organizational performance
measures such as error rates, use of overtime, percentage of satisfied customers, and so
on, may not be sensitive to improvements in learning and skills in the short term. It may
take many months for real differences in outcomes to appear especially as outcomes may
be dependent not only on the performance of the individuals who were trained but also
may be dependent on those supervised by the individuals who were trained. During this
time even more intervening variables may operate to influence outcomes.
An important focus of this study concerns skill learning of team leaders as such
learning enhances performance improvement. If team leaders can learn faster and
better to improve performance, then an organization may attain a competitive edge,
other things being equal. Team members learn to be more effective in performing tasks
and benefit from positive reinforcement. This study looks at the development of skill
and competence and examines, on a limited scale, the skill development of team leaders
as experienced and perceived by the individuals that the leaders attempt to influence.
Given the limits and bounds of this study, we have demonstrated that team member
involvement in team leader training and performance can be a substantial influence in
the improvement of team leader performance.