Motivation to improve work through learning in human resource development

Abstract

Motivation in HRD has traditionally been conceptualized as motivation to learn or motivation to train. This paper argues that this concept of motivation is too limited because it does not incorporate motivation to use learning to improve performance. Instead, a higher-order construct called motivation to improve work through learning proposed. The theoretical rationale for this higher-order construct is presented along with proposed measures. A confirmatory factor analysis is reported which provides initial evidence of validity. Implications for HRD research and practice are discussed.