The Impact of a Company’s Contextual Environment on Job Satisfaction Mediated by Informal Learning

[Purpose]This study aimed to examine the impact of the contextual environment of domestic companies on job satisfaction, mediated by informal learning. [Methodology]To assess this impact, the contextual environment of the company was defined in terms of relationship－oriented organizational culture and communication. A structural equation modeling approach was employed to estimate both direct and indirect effects, as well as to compare the direction and magnitude of these influences. [Findings]The contextual environment of the company had a positive direct effect on informal learning, which in turn also had a positive direct effect on job satisfaction. The indirect effects of the contextual environment on job satisfaction, mediated by informal learning, were all positive；however, their influence was relatively smaller compared to the direct effects. [Implications]The findings suggest that when a relationship－oriented organizational culture and a conducive communication atmosphere are established as the contextual environment of a company, spontaneous informal learning is facilitated, leading to enhanced job satisfaction. Therefore, companies should leverage the opportunity to improve employee job satisfaction and ultimately enhance organizational performance by fostering such an environment.