A Study of Task-Goal Attributes, Higher Order Need Strength, and Performance

Abstract

This study attempts to determine how six task-goal attributes are related to various effort and quantitative performance measures. The initial analyses found little consistent relationship between the task-goal attributes and performance measures. When higher order need strength was introduced as a moderator, the relations between the task-goal attributes and performance measures became clearer. Technicians with high higher order need strengths indicated that goal challenge, feedback, and clarity were related to effort toward quantity and unexcused absenteeism. Technicians with low higher order need strength reported that goal acceptance was related to effort toward quality and improved unexcused absenteesim, service complaints, and safety.