The impact of training on self-evaluative traits and workplace outcomes in a manufacturing environment

• Main Author: Woodhall, Michael James
• Published: University of East London 2009
• Subjects: 658.3
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.532977

The current investigation builds on previous research examining the role of self-evaluations at work, and the psychological impact of training interventions in the manufacturing environment. A longitudinal study of 49 participants found significantly higher levels of job satisfaction, and lower levels of perceived stress, following a six month process improvement training and coaching programme. Increases in self esteem were also observed in participants over this period, while no change was observed in levels of neuroticism or locus of control, consistent with previous research. The findings of the mixed methods study are consistent with other recent research that indicates individual dispositional traits to be a more accurate representation of self-evaluative personality than the unifying concept of Core self-evaluations. Explanations for these findings, and the mechanisms underlying them, are explored through a related qualitative study utilising an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach to develop an understanding of the work life of employees at a UK factory.