Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation. A 35-year odyssey.

Full Abstract

The authors summarize 35 years of empirical research on goal-setting theory. They describe the core findings of the theory, the mechanisms by which goals operate, moderators of goal effects, the relation of goals and satisfaction, and the role of goals as mediators of incentives. The external validity and practical significance of goal-setting theory are explained, and new directions in goal-setting research are discussed. The relationships of goal setting to other theories are described as are the theory's limitations.

Author information

Author/s: Locke, Edwin A (EA); Latham, Gary P (GP);

Affiliation: R. H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, USA. elocke(-atsign-)rhsmith.umd.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The American psychologist (Am Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Sep; vol 57 (issue 9) : pp 705-17

Dates: Created 2002/09/19; Completed 2002/10/16; Revised 2009/09/23;

PMID: 12237980, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/23/2009, IMS Date: 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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