AN INVESTIGATION OF DISPOSITIONAL AND STATE GOAL ORIENTATION ON TASK ACCEPTANCE

Abstract

This study examined the usefulness between the 3-dimensional dispositional goal orientation, the 4-dimensional dispositional goal orientation and state goal orientation in predicting the level of difficulty participants undertook at a logic task. This study found that the two dispositional goal orientations did not predict the level of difficulty that participants undertook, but state goal orientation was negatively related to the level of difficulty participants undertook. Elements of cognitive interference affected participants’ choices of the level of difficulty, but did not mediate the relationship between state goal orientation and the level of difficulty undertaken. State goal orientation was measured using holistic scenarios for better understanding. . Effects of self-reported ability, cognitive interference, self-efficacy and affect were then examined. Results suggested that self-reported ability acted as a covariate on both dispositional goal orientation and state goal orientation. Cognitive interference, self-efficacy and affect did not mediate the relationship between state goal orientation and level of difficulty undertaken, as well as between dispositional goal orientation and level of difficulty undertaken. Reasons for these findings, along with the managerial implications and theoretical contributions were also examined, with suggestions for future research.