A study on the effectiveness of outdoor experiental training programmes in Greece and Cyprus

Abstract

Outdoor training, also known as adventure or experiential learning, has been a major HRD trend for the 1990s (Wagner et.aL,1991). Outdoor-based experiential training programs first appeared in the early 1980s.Such programs have become increasingly popular in recent years and surveys indicate that the trend will continue. As more and more organizations begin to send participants to such outdoor training workshops there is a need that grows parallel to their popularity- the need to ensure that activities are effective and have measurable outcomes that relate to defined objectives (Mazany et.al.,1995). Adherents of OET believe that there is a good return on investment (ROI) in such programs (e.g. Harrison, 1995). However they have commonly reached that conclusion intuitively through what they believe to be reasonable assumptions. In fact, there are little or no established practices for measuring how effective such programs are. There is very little empirical data on behavior change in the workplace or enhanced business results due to OET (Williams e/.ö/.,2003).Only anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of outdoor training programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of experiential training on participants, both at personal and professional level and also to establish the duration of these effects.