DELINEATING GOAL AND EFFICACY EFFECTS - A TEST OF 3 MODELS

Goal setting is thought to serve a directive function in individuals' estimates of their capacity to perform in their work environment. A series of studies were conducted in which college students performed mathematics problems (n = 100) or worked on a complex game simulation (n = 100) under conditions of easy or challenging goals. In addition, a field study was conducted with junior and senior business students (n = 127) in a management course during a normal semester. Three alternative models combining self-efficacy expectations, performance valence, and personal goals were tested with LISREL VI and hierarchical regression analyses. The results support various aspects of the models and, in general, favor the causal sequencing suggested by Locke and Latham (1990) and Eden (1988) over the model proposed by Garland (1985).