Linking the Fit between Achievement Goal Orientation and Learning Opportunities with Employee Well-Being and Absenteeism

We examined the effects of a (mis)match between learning opportunities and individuals' mastery goal orientation (GO; approach and avoidance) on well-being (i.e., job satisfaction, task enjoyment, need for recovery, and absenteeism). Data from a sample of 212 employees of an organization that provides guardianship for youngsters were collected and analyzed by means of polynomial regression and surface plot analysis. Our results indicate that a person's mastery GO enhances the positive effects of perceived learning opportunities. Hence, to foster employee well-being, organizations should not only provide ample learning opportunities but also foster a mastery GO. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.