Training Needs Analysis in Management: A Critical Look at the Field

This article aims to describe and discuss the theoretical and empirical production of training needs analysis (TNA) in the field of management, through an in-depth systematic literature review, encompassing 101 scientific productions from 2009 to 2024. Although the strategic importance of TNA in organizations has been proven, most of the research is conducted in a non-systematic manner, focusing solely on individual-level analysis and disregarding alignment with organizational strategy. Another intriguing fact is that, despite TNA falling under the umbrella of human resource management (HRM), the field of management has the lowest academic production compared to others, raising concerns. Through the conducted analyses, pathways that still need to be explored for further theoretical and applied development of TNA were identified, analysing the cognitive complexity levels of research based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. The results indicate an emerging need for more complex studies aimed at evaluating, critiquing and creating processes related to TNA. This can be achieved by proposing new models, methods or approaches that enable more accurate analyses and the development of existing concepts and theories. The aim is to contribute theoretically and methodologically to researchers, fostering continuous advancements in the field and collaborating with professionals in training and development and HRM.