Goal Orientation and Goal Setting: Predicting Performance by Integrating Four-Factor Goal Orientation Theory with Goal Setting Processes

Abstract

This study integrated four-factor goal orientation theory with goal setting theory, two related but separate research streams. 335 undergraduate business students participated by indicating their goal orientations, self-efficacy, and self-set goal for the semester. At the end of the semester, their final class grade was recorded. Results from the LISREL mediational model indicated that after controlling for ability, the four goal orientation variables differentially influenced self-efficacy, selfSeoul Journal of Business Volume 13, Number 1 (June 2007) * Main author, Assistant Professor, School of Business, Montclair State University (radosevichd@mail.montclair.edu). ** Coauthor, Assistant Professor, School of Business, Montclair State University (allynm@mail.montclair.edu). *** Coauthor, Assistant Professor, College of Business Administration, Seoul National University (syun@snu.ac.kr). This study was supported by the Institute of Management Research of Seoul National University. set goals, and performance. Further, self-efficacy positively influenced goals and goals positively influenced performance. The integration of a four-factor model with goal setting processes served as a useful model to predict academic performance.