Measure What Matters: Knowing is Not Doing
Credible Data That Connects Learning to Behavioral Outcomes
One of the most pressing issues HR and L&D professionals continue to grapple with is skills gaps in their organizations.
Confirming the challenge, recent research1 by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) explains that:
| • | most HR professionals see training of current employees as the preferred strategy to address the skills deficit, yet |
| • | many business leaders remain skeptical about the effectiveness of training interventions in driving workplace change. |
Convincing the C-suite that training programs strengthen strategic advantage demands credible data that links newly learned skills and behaviors to employees’ performance on the job.
Bringing Credible Data to Light
At Media Partners, we are utilizing the latest research methodologies. Our goal is to create learning experiences that are engaging and interactive.
We gather and aggregate learner data in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence organizational behavior. This information assists us in evaluating employees’ comprehension of course competencies and predicting the impact the course will have on their workplace behaviors.
To develop this ground-breaking behavioral training approach, our instructional design team has partnered with specialists in the field of human behavior. These experts have identified three key factors that drive intent and shape behavior. Those influences are explained in an article by our Senior Behavioral and Data Scientist Amanda Hagman, PhD. Briefly, they are:
- Individuals’ own attitudes toward specific behaviors, based on their experiences, biases, and knowledge
- Their perceptions of how others feel about those behaviors (societal norms)
- Individuals’ belief in their own ability to exert control over the behavior(s) being considered
The research-based approach enables Media Partners to understand the factors that impact the successful implementation of new skills and behaviors acquired through our training programs. It provides deep insight into what drives employees to apply their new knowledge in the workplace, and also identifies common challenges that can hinder their ability to do so.
The ongoing research into why employees may or may not exhibit desired behaviors is then leveraged by our design team to continually enhance existing courses and develop new learning content that will effectively guide learners towards the desired outcomes.
We believe in providing HR and L&D leaders with valuable insights into the effectiveness of Media Partners training programs and their potential impact on the organization. The results of our learner insights are shared with these leaders to help them make informed decisions about the effectiveness of their training efforts.
Our approach to delivering learning experiences is highly intentional and based on data and evidence. By taking this comprehensive and data-informed approach, we aim to ensure a high level of intentionality and purpose in every learning experience we deliver.
Stay connected with Media Partners as we reveal more about these new insights and intelligence that can impact workforce behavior and strategically influence organizational culture.
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Additional articles about this innovative approach to instructional design are also available: The Ultimate ROI on Training – Putting New Behaviors to Work and How the Power of Intent Drives Media Partners’ New Behavioral Training.
About the Author
John Louviere, Ph.D. | Media Partners VP of Content and Research
John has over 20 years of practical and theoretical research experience utilizing state-of-the-art learning analytics methodologies to assess and design online learning. He is passionate about applying theory-influenced innovation to design and deliver excellent and effective learning experiences.
