A cross-sectional study on the interplay between motivational climate and employee mindset in a work context : Why the Focus on Effort might be Beneficial for v

Abstract

Many organizations have a large focus on talent as being the cause for organizational success. The current study aims to show that the focus on learning, effort and development may be a greater cause for success. Drawing on Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) and the person-environment fit perspective, we propose that the leader will have an impact on the motivational climate at work and employees´ mindsets. Additionally, we wanted to test these variables´ relationships with employee achievement and the extra-role behavior taking charge. A cross-sectional study was conducted to look at the interplay between employees´ perceived motivational climate and their mindset in a work context. Using self-reported measures, the relationship between employees´ perceived motivational climate and mindset was tested. This study found a marginally positive relationship between a mastery climate and a growth mindset. No significant relationships between mastery climate and fixed mindset, performance climate and fixed mindset, or performance climate and growth mindset was found. Additionally, motivational climates´ and employee mindsets´ relationship with self-efficacy was tested. The growth mindset was found to strengthen the relationship between the mastery climate and self-efficacy. No significant relationship between performance climate or fixed mindset with self-efficacy was found. Due to lack of complying responses from employees and their direct supervisors, the hypotheses concerning relationship between motivational climates and mindsets to achievement and taking charge could not be tested. We urge future researchers to test these variables in a larger sample size, since, as this paper shows, these factors can be related to organizational performance and effectiveness. Keywords: motivational climate, mindset, work effort and work quality, taking charge, self-efficacy