Journal article
Referents or Role Models? The Self-Efficacy and Job Performance Effects of Perceiving Higher Performing Peers
Journal of applied psychology, Vol.106(3), pp.422-438
03/01/2021
DOI: 10.1037/apl0000519
PMID: 32463258
Abstract
What are the effects of perceiving peers' higher performance? Social-cognitive theory emphasizes the positive influence that perceiving higher performers can have on observer task and job performance (because observational learning from role models enhances self-efficacy). Social comparison theory emphasizes the negative self-evaluations that accompany perceiving higher performers, which should under many circumstances reduce self-efficacy and subsequent task and job performance. To more fully understand the effects of perceiving higher performance, we argue the effects of perceived higher performers on observer task and job performance depend on individuals' disposition in how they cognitively process coworkers' performance. Drawing on goal orientation theory, we suggest individuals with higher levels of performance prove goal orientation (PPGO) primarily interpret perceived higher performers as comparative referents rather than as instructive role models, inhibiting social learning and reducing self-efficacy. Results from a 2 studies (a field study of 110 corporate employees as well as an experimental study with 107 undergraduate students) support these ideas: Individuals with higher levels of PPGO have decreased self-efficacy and performance when observing higher performing coworkers, and individuals with lower levels of PPGO have increased self-efficacy and performance when observing higher performing coworkers.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Referents or Role Models? The Self-Efficacy and Job Performance Effects of Perceiving Higher Performing Peers
- Creators
- Patrick E. Downes - Texas Christian UniversityEean R. Crawford - University of IowaScott E. Seibert - Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyAdam C. Stoverink - University of Arkansas at FayettevilleElizabeth M. Campbell - University of Minnesota
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of applied psychology, Vol.106(3), pp.422-438
- Publisher
- Amer Psychological Assoc
- DOI
- 10.1037/apl0000519
- PMID
- 32463258
- ISSN
- 0021-9010
- eISSN
- 1939-1854
- Number of pages
- 17
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2021
- Academic Unit
- Management and Entrepreneurship
- Record Identifier
- 9984380449102771
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