The mediating role of informal learning on work engagement: older workers in the US public sector

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating relationship between organizational culture, informal learning and work engagement of older workers in a public organizational setting. More specifically, this study aimed to investigate if informal learning is a pivotal component connecting an organizational-level factor (culture) to work engagement, which, in turn, directly influences business performance in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

After a careful review of the selected and relevant literature, four hypotheses were developed to test the structural relationships between the selected variables.

Findings

The data analysis indicated that informal learning mediated the relationship between organizational culture and work engagement for older employees working in a public organizational setting.

Practical implications

The findings from this study provide a solid justification for promoting informal learning in organizations to ensure knowledge transfer between younger and older generations while minimizing knowledge and financial loss for organizations.

Originality/value

In previous research, little emphasis has been placed on the impact of informal learning on work engagement. This study presents a valuable finding about the role of informal learning to facilitate work engagement for older workers.

Citation

Uhunoma, O., Lim, D.H. and Kim, W. (2021), "The mediating role of informal learning on work engagement: older workers in the US public sector", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 45 No. 2/3, pp. 200-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-04-2020-0062