Abstract
A theory is proposed to explain the linkages between individual task goals and performance. Two cognitive constructs are postulated to mediate between task goals and performance:performance expectancy and performance valence. It is asserted that an individual's task goal has a positive influence on performance expectancy and a negative influence on performance valence. Performance expectancy is proposed to have a positive influence on performance while performance valence is proposed to have a negative influence on performance. Task ability is hypothesized to influence performance both directly and indirectly through its influence on performance expectancy. A laboratory experiment was designed to test the causal model proposed by the theory. A path analysis on the data from this experiment provides strong support for the model, with performance expectancy, performance valence, and task ability predicting 63% of the variance in performance on the laboratory task.
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I would like to express gratitude to Jerry Wofford, Cathy Kline, Dov Eden, Larry French, and Ed Locke for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript.
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Garland, H. A cognitive mediation theory of task goals and human performance. Motiv Emot 9, 345–367 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00992205
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00992205