Organizational learning, resilience and psychological empowerment as antecedents of work engagement during COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between organizational learning (OL) and work engagement (WE) in the Middle East region amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to test the mediating role of employee resilience (ER) and psychological empowerment (PE) on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample size was 208 respondents working in the Middle East area during COVID-19. Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis with bootstrapping.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant positive impact of OL on WE. Moreover, both constructs – ER and WE – were identified as mediators for this relationship.

Practical implications

Practical implications within this study call for organizations to focus on promoting a learning culture in order to adapt and respond effectively to unprecedented external challenges.

Originality/value

The current study extends previous research and strengthens the antecedents of WE, namely, OL, ER and PE in the Middle East region while controlling for COVID-19 perceptions.

Citation

Blaique, L., Ismail, H.N. and Aldabbas, H. (2023), "Organizational learning, resilience and psychological empowerment as antecedents of work engagement during COVID-19", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 72 No. 6, pp. 1584-1607. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-04-2021-0197