The Effects of Intergroup Competition and Assigned Group Goals on Group Efficacy and Group Effectiveness

Goal setting and competition are two motivation techniques that are thought to have similar effects on goal variables and performance. This study tests the proposition that assigned goals and competition are similar in their effect. The effects of intergroup competition and assigned group goals on a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Small group research 1999-12, Vol.30 (6), p.651-677
Main Authors: Mulvey, Paul W., Ribbens, Barbara A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Competition
Effectiveness
Efficacy
Factors
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Goal setting
Goals
Group dynamics
Intergroup Relations
Management theory
Motivation
Occupational psychology
Productivity
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Social interactions. Communication. Group processes
Social psychology
Social research
Task Oriented Groups
Task Performance
Undergraduate Students
Work condition. Job performance. Stress
Working groups
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Summary:Goal setting and competition are two motivation techniques that are thought to have similar effects on goal variables and performance. This study tests the proposition that assigned goals and competition are similar in their effect. The effects of intergroup competition and assigned group goals on a group’s efficacy, goals, productivity, and inefficiency were tested, using 351 undergraduate business students in 117 production work groups, in a 2x2 design. Intergroup competition increased the groups’efficacy, goals, and productivity and decreased inefficiency. Assigned goals increased group productivity. Results do not provide initial support for the proposition that assigned goals and competition have similar effects. Researchers and practitioners should be aware of the potential confounding effects of competition on the goal-setting process and goal-setting interventions.
ISSN:1046-4964
1552-8278
DOI:10.1177/104649649903000601