Goal importance, self-focus, and the goal-setting process
Article Abstract:
In this study we examine the role played by perceived goal importance and self-focus in the goal setting process. More specifically, this study tests the interactive hypotheses that (a) task performance is a function of goal level, self-focus, and perceived goal importance; (b) goal level is a function of perceptions of past performance, self-focus, and perceived goal importance; and (c) perceptions of past performance are a function of actual past performance, self-focus, and perceived goal importance. Hierarchical regression analysis, using a sample of 88 retail salespersons, revealed empirical support for the first two hypotheses. Specifically, the variables described by control theory account for an increment of 6% and 8% of the variance explained in task performance and self-set goal level, respectively. Finally, implications for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.(Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Psychology
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-9010
Year: 1987
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Operationalization of goal difficulty as a moderator of the goal difficulty-performance relationship
Article Abstract:
Examined the research studies cumulated in recent quantitative reviews of the relationship between goal difficulty and performance to determine how goal difficulty has been operationalized. Four categories (assigned goal level, self-set goal level, performance improvement, and difficulty perceptions) of operationalization were discovered, and the operationalization of goal difficulty was tested as a moderator of the relationship between goal difficulty and performance. Strong support for this moderating role was found; the different operationalizations accounted for 26% of the variance in effect sizes. Implications for operationalizing goal difficulty in future goal setting research are discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Psychology
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0021-9010
Year: 1990
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