The role of work and individual characteristics on the knowledge-transfer and subsequent performance after training in a highly-uncertain context

Abstract

The present study aimed to understand the training transfer to an extreme working context, through the analysis of variables related to the training design (e.g., leader’s and colleague’s support), the individual’s characteristics (e.g., adaptability), and the work environment (e.g., the opportunity to transfer the acquired knowledge). Specifically, we intended to (1) analyze the mediating role of motivation to transfer in the relationship between the perceived support from the supervisor and colleagues and performance, and (2) between adaptability and performance in an extreme context. To do so, training about the new safety rules regarding the pandemic crisis of COVID-19 was implemented in a healthcare institution. It consisted of three sessions (each with one hour of training) regarding procedures, rules, and safety norms. Overall, 291 healthcare workers participated in the study and answered an online questionnaire one week after the training completion. The results showed that the motivation to transfer had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between colleagues’ and supervisors’ support and performance and between adaptability and performance. Additionally, complementary analyzes showed that the mediations depended on the levels of self-efficacy, in such a way that the indirect relationships were stronger when self-efficacy was higher. Thus, adaptability and support, both from colleagues and the supervisor, are determining factors for knowledge transfer and resultant performance in extreme contexts, such as the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. These findings provide support for the role of employee motivation to transfer as a mechanism connecting both perceived support and adaptability to performance outcomes, under extreme working contexts. This study, conducted in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic context - an extreme and uncertain working context – shows the relevance of both job and individual factors to predict employees’ adaptability to such contexts.