The role of perceived need satisfaction at work for teachers' work-related learning goal orientation

In the present study, we investigate whether perceived satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in teachers' working environment at school predicts their work-related learning goal orientation. Structural equation modeling was used to test this hypothesis (N = 334 German teachers). The expected relationship between perceived need satisfaction and teachers' work-related learning goal orientation could be shown and was not mediated by teachers' intrinsic work motivation. These results give room for speculation on new ways to foster teachers' work-related learning goal orientation via workplace modifications which address teachers' basic psychological needs.