Hi KaLiKo,

First of all, thanks for taking your time to read and give valuable comments. I really appreciate that.

I agree with you that my statement: "The purpose of my study is to examine how supervisor's role (e.g. support, communication) will influence employee's motivation to learn in training programs, which in turn affect employee's commitment to the organization." has no connection with the research gap. Maybe I should write "The purpose of my study is to examine how supervisor's role affect employee's organizational commitment through motivation to learn" or maybe "The purpose of my study is to determine the mediating role of motivation to learn in the relationship between supervisor’s role and employee's organizational commitment."

Actually, my hypothesis sounds something like this "Motivation to learn positively mediates the relationship between supervisor support and employee's organization commitment". It implies that supervisor's role (support) has a relationship with employee's organizational commitment through motivation to learn.

Are you really sure "mediate" means conflict? Why do you said so? From my understanding, a mediator suggest how and why a treatment (independent variable) produces it's effect (dependent variable).

Thanks.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ahua_101,

quote:

Originally posted by ahua_101
"The purpose of my study is to examine how supervisor's role affect employee's organizational commitment through motivation to learn" or maybe "The purpose of my study is to determine the mediating role of motivation to learn in the relationship between supervisor’s role and employee's organizational commitment."

Actually, my hypothesis sounds something like this "Motivation to learn positively mediates the relationship between supervisor support and employee's organization commitment". It implies that supervisor's role (support) has a relationship with employee's organizational commitment through motivation to learn.

Are you really sure "mediate" means conflict? Why do you said so? From my understanding, a mediator suggest how and why a treatment (independent variable) produces it's effect (dependent variable).

Ahua_101,

Thanks for the additional info. Now the sentences above make sense to me. I was using a different definition of mediate - i.e., "to work with both sides in a dispute in an attempt to help them reach an agreement." Most definitions of mediate have to do with solving a conflict or conflicting ideas, etc. But it can also mean to act as a medium to transfer something from one place to another." And used as adjective, which is what you are also doing, means "involving or depending on an intermediary or an intermediate action."

Sorry for the confusion.

This statement of yours, "Very few studies attempt to examine the role of motivation to learn in influencing organizational commitment," sounds like a really good research topic. It is a little simpler and cleaner - more workable without getting into a huge undertaking. If you involve supervisor's role, that includes a whole other dimension to your study and might make it sound more like the direct relationship thing that has already been done. I would keep it simple and manageable. Maybe the hypothesis statement could read, "An employee's motivation to learn influences the employee's commitment to the organization and is a key factor in retention. This research will examine the underlying key variables of motivation to learn, and how they relate to organizational commitment." You could add: "The supervisor's role is also important and will be discussed as it relates to both motivation to learn and organizational committment."

Anyway, those are my thoughts. It's a really interesting subject! You will have fun with it.

I didn't provide more detail regarding my perspectcive because, unless I misunderstood -- this is an assignment for school. Yes?

I don't see any difference between contributing to a discussion on a topic that is a school assignment or one that is a workplace assignment. Discussion is discussion. If I think maybe I can contribute in some way, I will. I would think that everyone in the learning profession would feel so inclined. After all, that's what it's all about. There's nothing wrong with helping another person think through ideas and processes, make suggestions, etc., regardless of the reason for the originating question. The point is to contribute, not stiffle communication.

quote:

I didn't provide more detail regarding my perspectcive because, unless I misunderstood -- this is an assignment for school. Yes?

Yes, this is a discussion about my research proposal in university. You see, I don't mind if you didn't provide more details about your input. I'm seeking for those that are willing to give me valuable insights. Thanks anyway.