Thriving at Work: Examining the Mediating Effect of a Shared Learning Culture

Abstract Book of the 7th International Conference on Research in Human Resource Management

Year: 2025

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Thriving at Work: Examining the Mediating Effect of a Shared Learning Culture

Nisha Manikoth, Gloria Bamforth

ABSTRACT:

Thriving at work is a desired psychological state when employees feel a sense of learning combined with a sense of vitality. The progress and momentum they experience from this positive state of well-being has been shown to drive engagement, innovation, and productivity. Thriving at work generates psychological resources that positively impact overall wellbeing. Employees experiencing thriving at work are likely to be healthier and happier and less likely to feel negative workplace effects such as burnout. Given the positive organizational and individual outcomes, there is growing interest in understanding the antecedents of thriving at work. A supportive organizational culture is an important determinant, as evidenced in studies across the globe. However, there is a lack of understanding of mediating factors and indirect effects that explain the mechanisms linking organizational support and thriving at work. This paper explores if a culture of shared learning is a determinant of thriving at work and if it mediates the relationship between organizational support and thriving at work. Drawing from a survey of hospital administrators in the United States, this study provides evidence of the mediating role of a culture of shared learning in impacting thriving at work. This study provides empirical support to the socially embedded model of thriving and has practical implications for organizational leaders interested in creating thriving workplaces.

Keywords: Socially Embedded Model of Thriving, Relational Careers, Shared Learning, Mentoring, Communities of Practice