Boundary Conditions of the Galatea Effect: A Field Experiment and Constructive Replication

Abstract

In a longitudinal field experiment, we examined the generalizability of the “Galatea effect” to businesses. This constructive replication provides the first test of the effect of a nonfictitious, nontraining intervention on actual job performance of new and established professionals. To examine duration, we measured the effect on performance until it disappeared for the sample as a whole. The Galatea intervention bolstered self-efficacy, motivation, and performance, though this latter effect was temporary. We also partially confirmed the “self-fulfilling prophecy at work model” and suggest possible extensions.