The Mediating Role of Learning Goal Orientation on Psychological Capital and Performance Goal Orientation among Gen Zers

Abstract

The research considers Generation Z (Gen Zers) who are characterized by diversity, innovation and resiliency. They have also been called Generation Resilient having hurdled the challenges brought about by the global pandemic and emerged with confidence and numerous possibilities for themselves. The study aims to explore how learning goal orientation significantly mediates psychological capital and performance goal orientation. A sample of 120 Gen Zers from the Philippines participated in an online survey. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis (simple and multiple linear regression) were used for data analysis. The Mediation analysis was based on four step approach mediation analysis by Baron and Kenny (1986 as cited by Newsom, 2024). Simple linear regression results showed that (1) psychological capital has a significant influence on performance goal orientation; (2) psychological capital has a significant influence on learning goal orientation; (3) learning goal orientation has significant influence on performance goal orientation. Multiple linear regression shows that both Psychological capital and learning goal orientation has significant influence on performance goal orientation and therefore based on the mediation analysis approach it can be concluded that learning goal orientation has significant partial mediation on psychological capital towards performance goal orientation. The results are significant for the development at the personal and professional levels of Gen Zers, whether they are self-employed or entrepreneurs or as reference for human resource development in companies where the Gen Zers are employed and being developed for future capabilities in their career moves.