Sustaining the positive effects of goal setting: the positive influence of peer competition

Field studies in a variety of organizational settings have shown formal goal-setting programs to be effective in improving task performance. Initial improvements, however, have been found to diminish over time. Peer competition is proposed as a means of sustaining the positive effects of goal settin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Akron business and economic review 1990-01, Vol.21 (4), p.30
Main Authors: Sauers, Daniel A, Bass, Ken
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case studies
Competition
Effects
Goal setting
Human resource management
Management by objectives
Manufacturing industry
Organizational behavior
Peers
Positive
Strategic planning
Suggestions
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Summary:Field studies in a variety of organizational settings have shown formal goal-setting programs to be effective in improving task performance. Initial improvements, however, have been found to diminish over time. Peer competition is proposed as a means of sustaining the positive effects of goal setting. Under conditions of task interdependence, research clearly indicates that the most desirable goal structure for promoting achievement and productivity is a cooperative one. Individuals commonly seek out competition under low-anxiety-producing conditions and enjoy it immensely. Some suggestions for managing competition in the workplace include: 1. Establish rules. 2. Provide feedback. 3. Keep the competition low-key. 4. Provide many opportunities to win. 5. Consider the situation.
ISSN:0044-7048