Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 1990

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Edward S. Esbeck

Second Committee Member

James L. Eubanks

Third Committee Member

Patricia Boverie

Abstract

This study assesses the goal commitment generated by different approaches to goal setting. The participants were the directors, board presidents, staff, board members and volunteers of two non-profit organizations. One group explored their history as an organization, significant events and the impact of those events before carrying out the same goal setting process as the other group. Self-efficacy was measured before the exercise began. Goal commitment was measured after participants prioritized goals and selected subgoals on which to take action. The hypothesis that cognitively reviewing past history would lead to greater commitment was rejected. A second hypothesis that the self-efficacy of the group would be correlated with commitment was statistically rejected but suggested that the relationship between self-efficacy and goal intensity should be pursued.

Share

COinS