A study analyzed the effects of using a personal development plan (PDP) on learning and development through a quantitative survey of over 2,000 participants. The results showed that while PDP users engaged in more past learning activities, it did not lead them to plan more future activities or rate their job competencies higher than non-users. The study had limitations such as relying on self-assessment and a lack of qualitative data. Improving supervisor feedback and using multiple raters in future research was recommended.

1. Beausaert & al (2012)Effects of using a personal
development plan on learning and development
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Design
– Quantitative analysis (n=2,271) with analyse of variance and regression
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Results
– More learning activities in the past
– Does not stimulate users to plan learning activities in the future
– Users do not rate themselves significantly higher on job competencies than nonPDP users
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Limitations/implications
– Broader sample, multiple-raters
– Focus feedback by supervisor when using PDP
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My comments
– First scientific quantiative study on the subject
– Competencies assessment item – questions on validity and reliability (selfassessment)
– Missing qualitative information