Title: Importance of training on employee prosocial motivation and job satisfaction: a moderation analysis of education level and company sector

Authors: Taylan Budur

Addresses: Tishk International University, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of training on employees' prosocial motivation (PSM) and job satisfaction (JS) in medium-sized enterprises in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. Data were gathered from various companies, including global system for mobile communications (GSM), health, hospitality, and construction (N = 234). Data has been evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. According to structural equation modelling, training positively improved JS and PSM in the workplace. However, no significant association was discovered between PSM and JS. The study also investigated the influence of education level and industry type on the connection between PSM and JS. As a result, education level positively moderates this link, and employees in the health sector have a more favourable impression of PSM than those in GSM firms. This study uniquely examines the impact of training on PSM and JS in medium-sized enterprises in the Kurdistan Region, an underexplored context. It further contributes by highlighting sectoral differences (health vs. GSM) and the moderating role of education level, offering new insights into workforce development in emerging economies.

Keywords: prosocial motivation; PSM; training; job satisfaction; education level; sector; moderation.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2026.153664

Middle East Journal of Management, 2026 Vol.13 No.3, pp.263 - 281

Received: 12 Dec 2024
Accepted: 26 Feb 2025
Published online: 21 May 2026 *

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