INTERACTION EFFECTS AMONG MEMBER RECOGNITION, GROUP IDENTIFICATION COMPONENTS, AND PROGRESS EXPECTATION ON ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION IN GROUP CELEBRATIONS

Abstract

Previous research has shown that—in group settings—member recognition, group identification, and progress expectation affect the achievement motivation of group members. The present thesis extends this research by exploring interaction effects of these three factors within group celebrations, focusing on two specific components of members’ group identification: superiority and commitment. Study 1 involved a university celebration scenario, and examined the members’ individual-directed but group-related achievement motivation (directed toward the members’ individual academic achievement). Study 2 involved another university celebration scenario, and examined the members’ group-directed motivation (directed toward the achievement of the university). Taken together, both studies found modest support for the post-hoc hypotheses that three-way interactions among member recognition, superiority/commitment (as separate components of group identification), and progress expectation affect group-related achievement motivation. The implications and limitations of the studies are discussed. Further research into this novel field of group celebrations is recommended.