Behavior Modeling Training in Organizations: Concerns and Conclusions

Abstract

Behavior modeling is a popular training methodology that has been found to be effective by a number of reviewers (Burke & Day, 1986; Decker & Nathan, 1985; Wexley, 1984). A review of studies infield settings concludes that the reasons for its effectiveness are not as clear as supposed and that there are issues that remain unresolved. Specifically, the concerns are that (a) internal and external threats to validity from field research are minimal, but variations in training programs do not rule out threats to the construct validity of behavioral and performance improvements in the work place; (b) there is no evidence that behavior modeling is more cost effective than other training methods; (c) a variety of behavior modeling techniques are used in the training programs, and little study has been completed on which techniques are the most effective; and (d) no studies to date have examined the long term shifts in the values and attitudes of trainees. Future research should focus on these concerns in evaluating the utility of behavior modeling methodology in organizational training and development interventions.