A Survey of Staff Training and Performance Management Practices: An Update

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Human Services
• Professional Credentialing

Background:

• The field of behavior analysis has seen significant growth in credentialed professionals.
• This expansion necessitates an examination of training, performance management, and supervision practices in human service settings.
• Previous research by DiGennaro Reed and Henley (2015) provides a baseline for comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey credentialed and aspiring behavior analytic professionals regarding current staff training, performance management, and supervision practices.
• To extend the findings of DiGennaro Reed and Henley (2015) by assessing contemporary practices.
• To identify changes and areas of concern in professional development and support within behavior analysis.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to credentialed and aspiring behavior analytic professionals.
• Respondents reported on the training, performance management, and supervision practices at their workplaces.
• Data were analyzed to identify trends and compare current practices with previous findings.

Main Results:

• Respondents' demographic characteristics have shifted since 2015.
• There were modest increases in the use of best practices for initial/ongoing training and performance management.
• Employers predominantly use instructions and modeling for initial training.
• Reliance on asynchronous and synchronous online training modalities has increased.
• While BCaBAs and RBTs generally received ongoing training, fewer BCBAs did.
• Reported use of performance management practices, including job observation, has improved.
• Less than half of supervisors received specific supervisory skills training, with only half feeling adequately prepared.

Conclusions:

• Behavior analytic professional development shows improvements in initial training and performance management, with increased use of online modalities.
• Concerns persist regarding the adequacy and consistency of supervisory skills training for behavior analysts.
• The growing field requires continued attention to ensure high-quality training and supervision practices.