The effect of goal orientation on training motivation and training outcomes is measured from a sample of 216 employees. The empirical evidence confirms that state goal orientation is a three dimensional construct (performance, learning and refusal) and it predicts training motivation and training outcomes. It establishes that training programs in organizations have learning and less explored “non-learning” outcomes. And training motivation mediates the relationship between goal orientation and both outcomes. Implications of these new insights for academicians and practitioners are discussed.
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