Conference presentation
An empirical examination of learning and development in franchising within the context of business performance
Annual International Society of Franchising Conference, 31st (Atlanta, United States, 08-Jun-2017 - 10-Jun-2017)
International Society of Franchising
2017
Abstract
This paper reports on stage one of a two part study that is examining the causal link between channel communication strategy and franchisee behaviour in relation to the execution of learning and development initiatives. A central focus of this research was to identify the factors that influence successful learning and development execution in terms of achieving enhanced channel outcomes. The research was delimited to business format franchising in Australia and channel outcomes were examined from the perspective of the trichotomy of relationships in franchising, incorporating franchisee and franchisor performance and customer welfare. For the purpose of this research, franchising was defined from a broader perspective that extends beyond the physical embodiment of the business, so as to consider key areas such as the exchange of value, the quality and relevance of business support provided, knowledge exchange frameworks and the effectiveness and return of investment of learning and development strategies as support initiatives. Using a qualitative approach, 20 industry experts were interviewed via telephone. Participants comprised a mix of franchisors, franchisees, training and education specialists and suppliers to the franchising sector. Franchisors were selected from a range of industries including business services, retail and home services. The interviews explored the diversity of approaches to learning and development strategy and the impact it has on achieving enhanced channel outcomes. The research revealed that the issue of poor participation and engagement with training interventions is wide spread in business format franchising in Australia and highlighted differences in the approach of franchisees to the various facets of learning and development strategy. We present a set of propositions regarding learning and development strategy which will be tested in stage two of this research study using an in depth case study of four franchisor groups.
Details
- Title
- An empirical examination of learning and development in franchising within the context of business performance
- Authors
- Janette Timms (Author) - Griffith UniversityLorelle Frazer (Author) - Griffith UniversityScott K Weaven (Author) - Griffith University
- Conference details
- Annual International Society of Franchising Conference, 31st (Atlanta, United States, 08-Jun-2017 - 10-Jun-2017)
- Publisher
- International Society of Franchising
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99620207302621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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