The Impact of Practicing Reaction and Learning in Theory of Kirkpatrick for Training Evaluation

Abstract: Today, the training of employees and developing their skills and knowledge are becoming an increasingly important requirement for modern organizations. The evaluation of training takes the same importance just like training to ensure the success of training program. This study aims to examine the level of practicing reaction and learning evaluation if training based on Kirkpatrick theory. The study found that most companies evaluate the reaction of trainees with higher degree comparing to learning evaluation. The result showed that the first and second levels of Kirkpatrick evaluation approach (Learning, Reaction) affect the Behavior of trainers in significant multiple linear correlation, and the associations between these two variables and Behavior are positive. It is concluded that assessment of learning skills and knowledge after training is very important just like the the reaction of trainees on the the training program. The study suggests that motivating trainees to learn new skills and knowledge related to their work are highly important to the organization. The study recommends practicing learning evaluation at the same level as practicing reaction evaluation because both of them take the same importance to the organization and should be examined very well before and after the training program.