Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

December 1995

Abstract

This study examined the job competencies, career paths, and educational backgrounds of training directors and also compared the responses of male and female training directors in an attempt to identify possible sources of justification for reported male/female salary differences. Data for the study were gathered through the use of two questionnaires. The first was based on a part of the American Society for Training and Development's (ASTD) 1987-1989 Competency and Standards Study. Additionally, a demographic questionnaire dealing with biographical, educational, and professional characteristics was self-developed. Both were mailed to training directors in all Fortune 500 companies. Major findings include: (1) all of the ASTD competencies received at least a moderately useful rating; (2) many of the training directors had worked in the field of training or in a related business field prior to becoming a training director and over one-fifth had worked in the field of education; (3) a number of undergraduate majors were represented among the training directors, but business was the most popular master's major and education was the most popular doctoral major; (4) 95.8% of the training directors had completed a bachelor's degree, over 70% had some graduate education, 40.6% had completed a master's degree, and 15.2% had completed a doctorate; and (5) statistically significant gender differences were found in the rating of two competencies (intellectual versatility and project management skill), in age, in salaries, in years in training and development, and in years as a training director. Several recommendations were made. The preparation, selection, and assessment of trainers should be guided by the competencies identified in the survey. Career paths should focus on lower level training positions, human resources development, and education. Students should focus their studies on business, education, and related majors. Trainers should strongly consider pursuing graduate education. Women should be encouraged that gender differences related to job competencies, career paths, and educational backgrounds are slight.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

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