Effect of learning goal orientation on work engagement through job crafting: A moderated mediation approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanism by which learning goal orientation (LGO) promotes work engagement through job crafting (seeking challenges). Design/methodology/approach A moderated mediation model was tested using survey data from 266 public health nurses and hospital nurses in Japan. Findings The results indicated that job crafting partially mediated the relationship between LGO and work engagement, and that the mediation effect was stronger when reflection was high (vs middle and low). Research limitations/implications Although common method bias and validity of measurement were evaluated in this paper, the survey data were cross-sectional. Practical implications The results suggest that selecting people with a stronger sense of LGO may be a useful strategy for promoting job crafting and work engagement in an organization. Additionally, organizations should give employees opportunities to reflect on their jobs and to craft them into more challenging ones in the workplace. Originality/value Although little is known about mechanisms by which LGO promotes work engagement, this study found that job crafting and reflection play important roles in linking LGO and work engagement.