APPLICATION OF GOAL SETTING THEORY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test the goal theory model originally developed by Locke and Latham in organizational setting in Turkey, and explain its influence on job satisfaction and affective commitment. Also mediating role of task specific strategy and moderating role of selfefficacy are examined. Locke and Latham’s goal setting measure is adapted to Turkish. Survey method is employed to collect data from 222 respondents from automotive industry. Goal setting dimensions predicted affective commitment through full mediation of job satisfaction. However task specific strategy did not have significant mediation effect and self-efficacy did not moderate but explained directly. Even though goal setting theory can be used in Turkish setting to measure job satisfaction and affective commitment, factor structure is different than the original and goal clarity is the only core goal variable. Theoretically proposed moderators and mediators are found to have partial effects or no effect at all. 

Keywords

• Goal setting theory,affective commitment,job satisfaction,self-efficacy,goal achievement

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