How effective is outdoor-based training in improving management behaviors: a health care application

This study explores the impact of an outdoor-based training program on management behaviors at a major regional medical center. Sixteen managers attended a combination high and low "ropes" training course given in three phases over a one-year period. This program was designed to increase trust and improve communications within the hospital. A number of group measures from previous research are examined, including trust, group awareness, group effectiveness, self-esteem, and bonding of the group. Empirical evaluations of these items were done prior to training and three months after training. Scales that tapped both interpersonal relations and communications were developed from interviews with previous participants, and were evaluated prior to training and six months after training. Behavioral observations were also used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Results indicate that the outdoor-based training program was effective in improving certain key behaviors within the group. While stressing the need for future research, this study strongly supports the further use of outdoor-based training programs in health care settings.