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A Conceptualization and Test of the Influences of Individual Differences in Goal‐Setting Situations 1
Author(s) -
Kalnbach Lynn R.,
Hinsz Verlin B.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1999.tb00155.x
Subject(s) - psychology , conceptualization , locus of control , social psychology , goal setting , task (project management) , set (abstract data type) , test (biology) , need for achievement , goal orientation , goal pursuit , control (management) , paleontology , management , artificial intelligence , computer science , economics , biology , programming language
This research tests a hypothesized model of the relationships among several individual differences and variables associated with the setting of goals. Participants were randomly assigned to a self‐set goal condition, or to moderately or very‐difficult assigned‐goal conditions. By aggregating scores of performance, personal goals, ratings of self‐efficacy, and goal commitment over multiple goal‐setting and task‐performance occasions, the overall relationships among these variables and need for achievement, self‐esteem, and locus of control were determined. Results provide strong support for Locke and Latham's (1990a, 1990b) model of the goal‐performance relation, but fail to support the hypothesized role of individual differences. The implications of these findings and individual differences in goal‐setting situations are discussed.