Goal setting: A meta-analytic examination of the empirical evidence

Abstract

Conducted meta-analyses to estimate the amount of empirical support for the major postulates of the goal theory of E. A. Locke (see record 1968-11263-001 ) and Locke et al (see record 1981-27276-001 ). A technique similar to that described by J. E. Hunter et al (1982) was used to (a) accumulate effect sizes, (b) correct the mean and variance of those effect sizes for the effects of sampling error and attenuation, and (c) determine whether methodological characteristics of the studies have moderated the results. The results of well-controlled studies were generally supportive of the hypotheses. However, sources of variation in findings were discovered, including the setting in which the study took place and the manner in which goal setting factors were operationalized. (89 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)