Stimulating employee work engagement and the growth mindset

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to explore the dynamics of the concepts of workplace engagement and the growth mindset and how they are linked in a work situation. Exploration leads to specific advice for managers in the stimulation of employee thought and behavior related to the concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to review the two concepts and to explain the importance and value they offer the organization, manager, and the individual employee. Drawn from research are several suggestions for the manager or coach to aid employee development and performance.

Findings

Existing research makes clear that there are several actions managers can take to stimulate the desirable behavior. Collaboration with the employee in specific areas and reinforcement of progress can bring about useful and meaningful changes in behavior and action.

Originality/value

A considerable amount of empirical and other research has been devoted to the two concepts in the past 20 years. Very little of that work has been purposefully directed to the practitioner. This paper attempts to address that shortfall.

Citation

Lyons, P. and Bandura, R. (2023), "Stimulating employee work engagement and the growth mindset", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 37 No. 6, pp. 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-10-2022-0198