Interaction of Social Influences and Task Experience on Goals, Performance and Performance Satisfaction.
Abstract
The effects of awareness of a model's task achievement on observers' task goals, performance, and performance satisfaction were studied in a laboratory setting. One hundred and seventy four subjects were exposed to either a high or low performing model in the context of viewing a task 'training film'. Approximately half of the subjects were allowed to practice the task before observing the film. All subjects then worked on the task and their goals, performance, and performance satisfaction were assessed. Results showed that observation of the model's achievement level had a significant effect on the goals and performance of subjects without prior experience, but had less influence on the goals and performance of subjects who were familiar with the task before being exposed to the model. However, regardless of task familiarity, subjects in all conditions used the model as a standard for evaluating their own performance. The results are discussed in terms of social factors which influence the goals individuals personally set when approaching tasks and the way organizational members seek to reduce uncertainty created by new task environments. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086950
Entities
People
- Howard M. Weiss
- Thomas L. Rakestraw Jr
Organizations
- Purdue University