Second Language Training Transfer for Providing Bilingual Service by the Public Officials in Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to explore the predictions by training inputs (training characteristics, training design, and work environment) to training outcomes (retention, learning, and training transfer) in the context of second language training in Sri Lanka while considering the moderation effect of Public Service Motivation (PSM). The sample size of the study was 294 government officials who have followed the “Basic Tamil Language” course, which was conducted by the Department of Official Languages in Sri Lanka. Data was collected from two batches by using Five- Point Likert scale self-reported questionnaires in different time series. For the analysis purpose, two batches were integrated (PLS-SEM) run by SMART PLS version 3.2.7 for hypothesis testing.

 

The main findings of the study were all the training inputs positively predicted the training transfer only but not for the other training outcomes such as learning and retention. Moreover, it could not observe any significant results on the moderation effect of PSM on the relation between training inputs and training outcomes. However, this study confirmed the results of literature in the field of training transfer especially Baldwin and Ford model (1988), bridging it with the concept of transfer of training to the motivational behavior in the public sector. The study of Baldwin and Ford (1988) suggested that to conduct an integrated study examining the effect of all three training inputs on training transfer. So, this study attempted to fill that gap by conducting an integrated study. The findings of this study will be helpful for government organizations to enhance the training transfer process in terms of providing bilingual service to the public. Furthermore, the current results highlight useful recommendations for policies of human resources development of the government organizations.