Publications
Publications
- 2025
- HBS Working Paper Series
Training Within Firms
By: Brayan Diaz, Andrea Neyra-Nazarrett, Julian Ramirez, Raffaella Sadun and Jorge Tamayo
Abstract
Training investments are essential for improving worker and firm productivity, yet their
implementation is often hindered by low participation rates and insufficient worker engagement.
This study uses data from three firms–a car manufacturer, a quick-service restaurant chain, and
a retail company–to show that variation in training participation among employees is closely
tied to differences in middle managers’ behavior and practices. Middle managers who actively
engage with their employees and emphasize their well-being and development are associated
with significantly higher participation in training programs. These managerial differences
significantly influence employee performance and absenteeism, especially during periods of
organizational change. Together, these findings underscore the importance of middle managers
in bridging the gap between centrally designed HR policies and their effective on-the-ground
execution.
Keywords
Productivity; Absenteeism; Middle Managers; Training; Management Practices and Processes; Performance Productivity; Employees
Citation
Diaz, Brayan, Andrea Neyra-Nazarrett, Julian Ramirez, Raffaella Sadun, and Jorge Tamayo. "Training Within Firms." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 25-045, April 2025.