Interpersonal Skill Development: The Experiential Training Unit (ETU) and Transfer of Training

Abstract

In recent times, the use of experiential training packages has definitely gained in popularity. In fact, this popularity gain has materialized so quickly that experiential training practice seems to have extended beyond related empirical research (Kenderdine and Keys, 1974, p. 4). To narrow this practice-research gap, trainer- researchers are toiling to scientifically present and/or test hypotheses developed through training experiences and other related undertakings. In line with this practice-research gap effort, this paper presents hypothesized guidelines for increasing the effectiveness of experiential training packages which are aimed at developing interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skill is defined as the ability to help the organization move toward goal attainment by dealing efficiently and effectively with the people side of production. Although these guidelines were developed from and supported by training experiences, the importance of undertaking related empirical hypothesis testing should not be overlooked or underestimated. More precisely, investagatory empirical research should be strongly encouraged.