Methods and Techniques of Training - Employees & Executives (7M)

Training methods classified as On-the-Job (at workplace) and Off-the-Job (away), and for operatives vs executive development.

A. On-the-Job Methods (Learning by Doing):

1. On-the-Job Training (OJT) / Coaching: Trainee learns under experienced supervisor at shop floor. Cheap, immediate. Eg: sales trainee shadowing senior.

2. Job Rotation: Moving employee across departments/jobs (HR → Marketing → Operations) to broaden exposure. Excellent for managers, reduces monotony, creates versatile staff. Used by Reliance, HUL for MTs.

3. Apprenticeship: Long period (ITI, craftsman) combining classroom + practical under master worker. For electricians, plumbers, toolmakers.

4. Internship / Assistantship: Students work temporarily; executives assist senior managers.

5. Mentoring & Coaching: Senior guides career, senior executive coaches junior for performance. Highly personalized.

B. Off-the-Job Methods (Away from Work):

1. Classroom Lectures: Traditional, cost-effective for large groups to impart knowledge (safety, company policy). Limitation - passive.

2. Vestibule Training: Simulated workshop near plant with same machines; trainee practices without pressure on production. For e.g., pilots in flight simulator, bank cashier training with dummy currency.

3. Role Playing: Participants act out real situations (e.g., handling angry customer, appraisal interview) to develop interpersonal skills, empathy.

4. Case Study: Real/ fictitious business problem analyzed & discussed (Harvard case method). Develops analytical decision making. For executives.

5. Business Games / Simulation: Computerized simulation of market; teams take decisions on price, production. Teaches strategic thinking.

6. In-Basket Exercise: Trainee (manager) given tray of memos, letters with limited time to prioritize and decide - tests decision under pressure.

7. Sensitivity Training (T-Group): Small group unstructured interaction to increase awareness of self & others, behavioral change. Part of OD.

8. Conferences, Seminars, Workshops: Knowledge sharing, networking.

C. Executive Development Techniques (Managerial Specific):

• Job Rotation, Understudy, Multiple Management (Junior Board)
• Case Study, Business Games, In-Basket (above)
• Management Grid, Action Learning: Work on real organizational project.
• Outdoor Training (Adventure Learning): Trekking, rafting for leadership, teamwork.

Modern / Technology-Enabled:

• E-Learning, MOOCs, Webinars, Mobile Learning
• VR/AR Simulation (surgery, hazardous plant)

Choice Criteria: Cost, number of employees, nature of skill (technical vs behavioural), time available.

Conclusion: No single method is best. Effective training uses blended approach - e.g., classroom for knowledge + role play for soft skills + OJT for application. Evaluation via Kirkpatrick's 4 levels ensures transfer to job.