INDIVIDUAL AND CONTEXTUAL INFLUENCES ON SELF-ASSESSED TRAINING NEEDS

Reliance on self-assessed training needs for input into decisions rega rding training participation and design is increasingly common. Previo us study results indicate that perceptions of training utility influen ce these self-assessments. In a sample of 380 managers and supervisors , this study found that training self-efficacy and managerial support positively influenced perceptions of training utility, while education al level was negatively associated with these perceptions. In addition , training utility perceptions and span of control both directly and p ositively influenced reported need for training in management skills. Implications for both research and practice are discussed.