The Transformative Learning Outcomes and Processes Survey: A Validation Study in the Workplace Context

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Transformative Learning Outcomes and Processes Survey (TROPOS) in the workplace context. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis of the data gathered from 132 employees of a steel manufacturing company in the United States have shown that the TROPOS is an appropriate instrument for measuring transformative learning in the workplace context. Implications for transformative learning research and practice will be discussed.

Keywords

transformative learning workplace transformative learning outcomes and processes survey validation confirmatory factor analysis

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bentler

P. M.

(1990). Comparative fit indexes in structural models. Psychological Bulletin, 107(2), 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.107.2.238

Brock

S. E.

(2010). Measuring the importance of precursor steps to transformative learning. Adult Education Quarterly, 60(2), 122-142. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713609333084

Browne

M. W.

Cudeck

(1992). Alternative ways of assessing model fit. Sociological Methods & Research, 21(2), 230–258. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124192021002005

Burnham

K. P.

Anderson

D. R.

(2004). Multimodel inference: Understanding AIC and BIC in model selection. Sociological Methods & Research, 33(2), 261-304. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124104268644

Cox

R. C.

(2017). Assessing transformative learning: Toward a unified framework [Doctoral dissertation, University of Tennessee TRACE database]. (Publication No. 4616). https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4616/

Cranton

Carusetta

(2004). Developing authenticity as a transformative process. Journal of Transformative Education, 2(4), 276-293. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344604267898

Dirkx

J. M.

(1997), Nurturing soul in adult learning. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1997, 1997(74), 79-88. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.7409

Dirkx

J. M.

Mezirow

Cranton

(2006). Musings and reflections on the meaning, context, and process of transformative learning: A dialogue between John M. Dirkx and Jack Mezirow. Journal of Transformative Education, 4(2), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344606287503

Finney

S. J.

DiStefano

(2013). Nonnormal and categorical data in structural equation modeling. In Hancock

G. R.

Mueller

R. O.

(Eds.), Quantitative methods in education and the behavioral sciences: Issues, research, and teaching. Structural equation modeling: A second course (pp. 439–492). Charlotte, NC: IAP Information Age Publishing.

10.

Franz

(2010). Catalyzing employee change with transformative learning. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 21(1), 113-118. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.20033

11.

Gray

D. E.

(2007). Facilitating management learning: Developing critical reflection through reflective tools. Management Learning, 38(5), 495-517. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507607083204

12.

Greenhill

Richards

J. N.

Mahoney

Campbell

Walters

(2018). Transformative learning in medical education: Context matters, a South Australian longitudinal study. Journal of Transformative Education, 16(1), 58–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344617715710

13.

Hair

J. F.

Black

W.C.

Babin

B. J.

Anderson

R. E.

(2010). Multivariate Data Analysis. (7th ed.). Hoboken, NY: Prentice Hall.

14.

Henseler

Hubona

Ray

(2016). Using PLS path modeling in new technology research: Updated guidelines. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116(1), 2-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/imds-09-2015-0382

15.

Hoggan

C. D.

(2016). Transformative learning as a metatheory: Definition, criteria, and typology. Adult Education Quarterly, 66(1), 57-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713615611216

16.

Hoggan

Mälkki

Finnegan

(2017). Developing the theory of perspective transformation: Continuity, intersubjectivity, and emancipatory praxis. Adult Education Quarterly, 67(1), 48-64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713616674076

17.

Bentler

P. M.

(1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

18.

Illeris

(2018). An overview of the history of learning theory. European Journal of Epidemiology, 53(1), 86-101. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12265

19.

Joreskog

K. G.

Sorbom

(1981). Lisrel V: Analysis of linear structural relationships by maximum likelihood and least squares methods. Chicago, IL: National Educational Resources.

20.

King

K. P.

(2009). The handbook of the evolving research of transformative learning: Based on the learning activities survey. Charlotte, NC: IAP.

21.

Kline

R. B.

(2006). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

22.

Kwon

Han

Nicolaides

(2020). The impact of psychological safety on transformative learning in the workplace: A quantitative study. Journal of Workplace Learning, 32(7), 533-547. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-04-2020-0057

23.

Kwon

Nicolaides

(2017). Managing diversity through triple-loop learning: A call for paradigm shift. Human Resource Development Review, 16(1), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484317690053

24.

Malhotra

N. K.

Dash

(2011). Marketing research: An applied orientation. London: Pearson.

25.

Merriam

S. B.

Kim

(2012). Studying transformative learning: What methodology? In Taylor

E. W.

Cranton

(Eds.), The handbook of transformative learning: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 37-54). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

26.

Mezirow

(1978). Perspective transformation. Adult Education Quarterly, 28(2), 100-110. https://doi.org/10.1177/074171367802800202

27.

Mezirow

(2003). Transformative learning as discourse. Journal of Transformative Education, 1(1), 58-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344603252172

28.

Mezirow

(2012). Learning to think like an adult: Core concepts of transformative learning theory. In Taylor

E. W.

Cranton

(Eds.), The handbook of transformative learning: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 73-96). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

29.

Muir

(2014). Mentoring and leader identity development: A case study. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 25(3), 349-379. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21194

30.

Nesbit

P. L.

(2012). The role of self-reflection, emotional management of feedback, and self- regulation processes in self-directed leadership development. Human Resource Development Review, 11(2), 203-226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484312439196

31.

Newman

(2012). Calling transformative learning into question: Some mutinous thoughts. Adult Education Quarterly, 62(1), 36-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713610392768

32.

Nicolaides

Poell

R. F.

(2020). “The only option is failure”: Growing safe to fail workplaces for critical reflection. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 22(3), 264-277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1523422320927296

33.

Nunnally

J. C.

(1978). Psychometric theory (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

34.

Romano

(2018). Transformative learning: A review of the assessment tools. Journal of Transformative Learning, 5(1), 53-70.

35.

Snyder

(2008). Grabbing hold of a moving target. Journal of Transformative Education, 6(3), 159-181. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344608327813

36.

Stone

G. A.

Duerden

M. D.

Duffy

L. N.

Hill

B. J.

Witesman

E. M.

(2017). Measurement of transformative learning in study abroad: An application of the learning activities survey. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 21, (Part A), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2017.05.003

37.

Stuckey

H. L.

Taylor

E. W.

Cranton

(2013). Developing a survey of transformative learning outcomes and processes based on theoretical principles. Journal of Transformative Education, 11(4), 211-228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541344614540335

38.

Taylor

E. W.

(2008). Transformative learning theory. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2008, (119), 5-15. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.301

39.

Taylor

E. W.

Cranton

(2013). A theory in progress?: Issues in transformative learning theory. European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults, 4(1), 33-47. http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela5000