consortiums

PROJECT 10

SELECTION AND CLASSIFICATION

Dispositional vs. Situational Goal Orientation: Effects on Self-efficacy
and Performance.

Walter D. Davis
School of Business Administration,
The University of Mississippi

Proposed Grant $ 102,941

Abstract:
A growing body of research indicates that "goal orientation" can be a powerful predictor of performance, especially in learning and training settings. While some research has studied goal orientation as a

dispositional (trait) variable that is treated as a relatively stable individual difference characteristic, other research has studied goal orientation as a situational (state) variable that changes according to task cues or learning instructions. Dispositional goal orientation has gained attention as a useful input to selection and placement decisions.However, very little research has considered the dynamic relationship between dispositional goal orientation and situational goal orientation and how these factors influence performance and self-efficacy when contextual factors such as feedback availability are varied. Accordingly, we propose to investigate the effects of dispositional goal orientation (performance and learning) on performance and self-efficacy in task environments that differ in situational goal orientation and feedback availability. The results of this study should provide insights into whether the use of measures of these dispositional traits in the Navy's selection and placement process can result in a better "person-job" fit, leading to higher levels of performance, satisfaction, and retention. Furthermore, this study should provide a better understanding of how the design of training programs, in terms of situational goal orientation and feedback availability, may ultimately affect the performance, satisfaction, and retention of trainees.