EVALUATING TRAINING
The purpose of training and development is to teach untrained employees new
skills or to prepare current employees for future responsibilities. In order to determine
whether the hospitality manager’s efforts have been successful, training
and development activities need to be systematically evaluated. Managers
and those involved in delivering the training often assume that the training has
value because to them the content seems important. The question most often
ignored is “Did the training achieve the objectives?” In other words, the criteria
used to evaluate training effectiveness should focus on outcomes. The hos-
pitality manager can normally rely on a number of guidelines to determine the
effectiveness of training. These include the following:
* The reactions of the trainees to both the content delivered and the method
used to deliver it. Sometimes this information is obtained by asking trainees
to fill out an evaluation form once the training is complete.
* The knowledge or the learning acquired through the training experience. A
pre- and post-test can be given to determine what the trainees have learned
and retained.
* Changes in employee behavior as a result of the training. Because behavioral
changes are sometimes the best indicator of success, the evaluation criteria
should be stated in behavioral terms whenever necessary.
* Measurable results or improvements in the individuals or the hospitality business
overall. Examples might include things like lowered turnover, fewer
guest complaints, or fewer accidents.