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

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.