How does Social learning theory positively impact the training program - Literature review Example

The social learning theory, as postulated by Albert Bandura, has been applied widely in organizations as the most appropriate way of allowing employees to acquire the desired skills, knowledge and abilities. This paper presents a review of past research on the application of the social learning theory in a training project for employees within organizations. The paper aims at demonstrating the models, theories and factors which are involved in the social learning theory approach within a training project.

Social Learning Theory In accordance with the works of Bandura on the social learning theory, it is postulated that employees or individuals within organizations learn appropriately and effectively within the context of a social environment (Harris & Kleiner, 1993). The learning or training that applies the social learning theory and approach is achieved through learning concepts and models such as observation and modeling (Knights & Willmott, 2007). As a result, various models have been put forth and applied in training projects.

This is because the application of models in training programs and projects has been described as the most effective way of achieving change in behavior within organizations or companies (Boyce, 2011). However, past research has demonstrated heated debate on the effectiveness of social learning theory in meeting the training needs of an organization. The critics of the theory base their arguments that the models used within the social learning theory are not as effective and efficient as they are presented by the theory’s proponents (Clarke & Caffarella, 1999).

On the other hand, reports of scientific investigation reflect a recommendation for organizations to employ the social learning theory as a learning tool within its training projects (Kalliath, Brough, O'Driscoll, Manimala, & Siu, 2010). Such research is backed by evidence and illustrations on the effectiveness of the theory in achieving the goals and objectives of training projects within small, medium size and large organizations. In the light of these observations, the literature review within this paper will analyze, evaluate and discuss past research on this theory in relation to its application in promoting the effectiveness of learning projects within organizations.

Workplace Training and Employee Development The focus of many researchers has been within various aspects of the contemporary knowledge community or society. As a result, past researchers commonly refer to the modern knowledge society as post-capitalism, post-Fordism or post-industrialism (Boyce, 2011). Nonetheless, many researchers who investigate the role of social learning theory in organizational training refer to the contemporary knowledge society as late-capitalism and post-modernity (Bartol, Tein, Matthews, & Martin, 2005).

The models within the observational learning approach, as postulated by Bandura in his social learning theory, have specifically attracted the attention of researchers. According to Bandura’s social learning theory, a live model is an observational approach which is a description of an individual who is depicting the desired characteristics and behavior. Researchers