Goal orientations and workplace informal learning strategies: the mediating role of intrinsic motivation

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to innovate by investigating the effects of goal orientations on informal learning strategies and whether intrinsic motivation mediates the relation between those two constructs. Design/methodology/approach: To address these aims, the author relied on a quantitative study and on structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationships prescribed by the research model. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 244 bank managers from Brazilian banks. Findings: Results show that mastery goal orientation positively relate with both informal cognitive and behavioral learning strategies in the workplace. Originality/value: This paper has contributed to the discussion concerning the effects of goal orientations on managers’ informal learning strategies, complementing previous research on the antecedents of informal learning.