The interplay between interpersonal relationships and organisational learning behaviour: Influences of psychological safety

Abstract

This study examined the association between interpersonal relationships and organisation learning behaviour among new employees; as well as the influence of psychological safety on that relationship. Participants were 1 500 newly recruited university employees (females = 41.66%; mean age = 44.67 years, SD = 8.11 years). Participants completed measures of interpersonal relationship carrying capacity (emotional carrying capacity, tensility, and connectivity), subjective experience (positive regard, mutuality, and vitality), and learning behaviour. Regression analyses indicated that higher interpersonal relationship dimension statuses predicted higher organisation learning behaviour. Psychological safety mediated the influence of interpersonal relationship on organisational learning behaviour. These findings suggest the importance for human resources managers in tertiary institutions to promote psychological safety of new employees for their work adjustment, improved organisational learning, and enhancement of productivity.

Keywords:

• interpersonal relationship
• learning behaviour
• new employees
• organisational learning
• psychological safety