Applying Utility Concepts to a Training Program in Supervisory Skills: A Time-Based Approach

Abstract

An application of utility analysis concepts, this study employed a quasi-experimental design to demonstrate the effects of a training program in supervisory skills on the performance ratings of 65 bank supervisors. We expanded the utility formula presented by Schmidt, Hunter, and Pearlman, incorporating economic considerations suggested by Boudreau in a time-based framework. Results indicated considerable dollar benefit to the organization from training supervisors. The utility formula was modified to permit examination of influences of adjusting various parameters of the model and of training additional groups on overall utility benefits.