Publication
Title
The relationship between workplace climate, motivation and learning approaches for knowledge workers
Author
Abstract
Workplace learning is becoming a central tenet for a large proportion of todays employees. This seems especially true for so-called knowledge workers. Today, it remains unclear how differences in the quality of workplace learning are affected by differences in perception of the workplace environment and the motivation of knowledge workers to learn. Moreover, the possible role of motivation as a mediating factor between workplace climate factors and learning is underexplored. This paper therefore investigates direct and indirect links between perceptions of the workplace climate, motivation to learn and approaches to learning in the workplace. Knowledge workers (N = 202) in one knowledge intensive organisation were questioned using existing and adapted questionnaires to measure learning approaches, motivation and workplace climate. Correlations and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to assess direct relationships amongst variables. Path analysis was carried out to assess the mediating role of motivation. Results show that both workplace climate factors and motivation directly influence employees approaches to learning. Some direct relationships between workplace climate factors and motivation were also uncovered. Results regarding the mediating role of motivation showed that the effect of good supervision on deep learning is completely mediated by autonomous motivation. The effect of choice independence on deep learning approach is partially mediated by the same motivational drive. A-motivation was found to partially mediate the link between good supervision and a surface disorganised approach. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Vocations and learning. - Dordrecht, 2008, currens
Publication
Dordrecht : Springer , 2014
ISSN
1874-785X [print]
1874-7868 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S12186-014-9112-1
Volume/pages
7 :2 (2014) , p. 191-214
ISI
000337037300004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Ready for higher education? A longitudinal study of the influence of study choice process and academic integration process on study succes in first year higher education.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.07.2014
Last edited 04.03.2024
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