What is the primary concern when evaluating a training program?

The primary concern when evaluating a training program is ensuring that the observed results can be directly attributed to the training. This focus on causation is crucial because it helps organizations determine the effectiveness of the training in achieving its intended goals. If improvements in employee performance, knowledge, or skills can be confidently linked to the training, then the program can be seen as successful. This evaluation of cause and effect is vital for justifying the investment in training and for guiding future training initiatives.

In contrast, while factors such as cost, participant satisfaction, and duration are important considerations, they do not directly address the core purpose of training: to drive tangible changes in behavior or performance. Cost considerations might be about budget constraints, participant satisfaction can indicate how well the training was received, and duration pertains to the time commitment required. However, these factors do not measure whether the training effectively led to the desired improvements in the workforce or organization. Hence, establishing a clear causal link between training and results is paramount in a proper evaluation of any training program.