Date of Original Version

2-1976

Type

Article

Published In

Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol 61(1), Feb 1976, 1-11

Abstract or Table of Contents

Examined the effect of training and counseling on the retention of the hard-core unemployed (HCU), using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data from 130 programs in 114 firms involved in hiring the HCU. Results indicate that the content of training, rather than whether training is offered, was the critical variable. Job-skills training was positively related to retention; attitudinal training measured by the use of role playing was negatively related to retention. Personal counseling activities that encouraged the trainee to attend were also related to retention. Also, an interaction effect on retention between counseling and the length of training was identified. A theoretical framework for explaining the relationship between program characteristics and retention is discussed.