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Purpose Trainees’ motivation to transfer the training imparted is an important constituent in determining required training outcomes in organizations. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of trainee characteristics, training attitudes and training need analysis on motivation to transfer training. Design/methodology/approach Research hypotheses were tested using a survey. A questionnaire was used to collect data from employees of an Indian governmental power transmission organization, attending any one soft skills training programme in the past year. Out of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 389 were deemed useable for the study, producing an effective response rate of 77.8 per cent. Findings The findings establish a direct and positive association between trainee characteristics, training attitudes and need analysis with transfer motivation. Originality/value This study contributes to extant literature by examining associations in hitherto underexplored areas such as that of training attitudes and training need analysis with transfer motivation. In addition, the findings provide insights into challenges pertaining to transfer motivation in soft skills training initiatives.

Purpose This paper aims to synthesize existing knowledge on trainee motivation to transfer (MTT) soft skills training through a systematic literature review (SLR). Design/methodology/approach By applying a rigorous reproducible process, this SLR identified a total of 33 peer-reviewed articles on MTT in soft skills training. Findings The systematic review offers several important findings. First, research on MTT has accelerated in the recent past with studies conducted in varied geographic contexts. Second, MTT has been operationalized and measured as an antecedent and mediator of training transfer as well as an outcome itself is sampled papers. Third, MTT is recognized as critical in facilitating the transfer of soft skills. Finally, an investigation of empirical studies helped locate gaps in research methodologies, measurement of MTT and finally its predictors. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by the search string and its choice of peer-reviewed articles published in the English language only. Originality/value In the absence of systematic reviews on MTT in the context of soft skill, the study contributes immensely by providing an updated, cogent summarization of extant work and potential directions for future research/practice.

The study extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in examining the influence of key organizational antecedents (supervisory and peer support, opportunities to use the training provided and rewards) on the motivation to transfer (MTT) soft skill training. Trainee self-efficacy (SE) and the desire to learn (DL) are also examined as mediators in determining this influence. The sample included 389 employees from a state-owned power transmission organization in Odisha, India. The resultant findings note the direct and positive influence of organizational antecedents on MTT, SE and DL. Trainee SE and DL partially mediate the association between organizational antecedents and MTT. Given a lack of focus on soft skill training transfer in the Indian power sector, this study is of immense value in identifying relevant organizational enablers that motivate the transfer of soft skills. The study also advances the knowledge on the direct and indirect influence of organizational antecedents on MTT in the Indian cultural context.

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