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The Impact of Simulation Training on Call Center Agent Performance: A Field-Based Investigation

Author

Listed:
  • Nagesh N. Murthy

    (Decision Sciences Department, Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403)

  • Goutam N. Challagalla

    (College of Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332)

  • Leslie H. Vincent

    (Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506)

  • Tasadduq A. Shervani

    (Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275)

Abstract

The most prevalent form of training call center agents is via classroom instruction coupled with role-plays. Role-play training has a theoretical base in behavior modeling that entails observation, practice, and feedback. Emerging simulation-based technologies offer enhancements to behavior modeling that are absent in role-play training. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation-based training (henceforth, simulation training) as a behavior modeling technique vis-à-vis role-play training in a real-world call center environment across tasks of different levels of complexity. We collaborate with call centers at two Fortune 50 firms and examine on-job performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation training. The performance measures of interest are call accuracy and call duration because these are two important factors that influence customer satisfaction and productivity in call center operations. After controlling for factors such as trainee's learning and technology orientation, age, education, and call center experience, results show that simulation training outperforms role-playing-based training in terms of both accuracy and speed of processing customer calls. Further, the relative superiority of simulation training improves at higher levels of task complexity.

Suggested Citation

  • Nagesh N. Murthy & Goutam N. Challagalla & Leslie H. Vincent & Tasadduq A. Shervani, 2008. "The Impact of Simulation Training on Call Center Agent Performance: A Field-Based Investigation," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 54(2), pages 384-399, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:54:y:2008:i:2:p:384-399
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.1070.0818
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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