Ability-Based Approach to Goal Assignment (Jeffrey et al.)

Question 1

Specific goals can lead to higher levels of performance if which of the following variables is true?

(Select all that apply)

the goal is attractive to the employee

the goal is difficult, but achievable

if there is pay incentive associated with the goal

the employee respects their leadership enough to set goals

the employee feels they can achieve the requisite level of performance

Answer 1

the goal is attractive to the employee

the goal is difficult, but achievable

the employee feels they can achieve the requisite level of performance

Question 2

The following assumptions are made during a “one goal for all” approach:

There will be performance improvements for a majority of the workers.
task
________-related ability levels do not matter.

Answer 2

task

Question 3

Which of the following approaches were examined to assess the effects of using an ability based approach to goal assignment?

(Select all that apply)

A “one goal for all approach” where the same challenge was presented to all individuals in the group.

An ability-based approach where the lower-ability individuals had to work harder to achieve a more difficult goal.

A “one goal for all” approach where there was a common goal presented to some of the individuals in the group.

An ability-based approach, where goals were assigned based on the individual’s performance.

Answer 3

A “one goal for all approach” where the same challenge was presented to all individuals in the group.

An ability-based approach, where goals were assigned based on the individual’s performance

Question 4

What type of goals are more effective in achieving improved performance?

_______ -based goals

Answer 4

ability

Question 5

Which of the following variables are considered when creating “one goal for all”?

(Select all that apply)

challenging
achievable
very easy
specific
vague

Answer 5

challenging
achievable
specific

Question 6

Unique goal setting, multiple goal levels, and individual skill levels are variables that are considered when creating ______-based goals.

Answer 6

ability

Question 7

Which of the following findings are associated with bonus-for-goal attainment?

(Select all that apply)

There is no difference between the level of difficulty between goals and desired performance levels once there is a bonus to earn.
If very difficult goals are assigned, participants perform worse than those paid a fixed wage.
If very difficult goals are assigned, participants perform better than those paid a fixed wage.
If very easy goals are assigned, participants perform worse than those paid a fixed wage.
The outcome depends on the difficulty of the assigned goal and the employee’s perceived likelihood of achieving that goal.

Answer 7

If very difficult goals are assigned, participants perform worse than those paid a fixed wage.

The outcome depends on the difficulty of the assigned goal and the employee’s perceived likelihood of achieving that goal.

Question 8

According to the authors, which of the following factors influence personal goals?

(Select all that apply)

belief in the final outcome when achieving the goal

an individual’s level of ability

the level of the assigned goal

how many people are affected by the goal

Answer 8

an individual’s level of ability

the level of the assigned goal

Question 9

Which of the following factors affect differences in performance over time?

(Select all that apply)

Effective goal setting is designed to motivate sustained performance over an extended period of time.

Repeated failure to achieve an assigned goal can lead to decreases in performance.

Goals are typically established for regular intervals.

Goals associated with rewards lose their motivational properties if individuals do not believe they can attain them.

Answer 9

all of the above

Question 10

_____ -ability performers benefit the most from ability-based goal setting.

Answer 10

lower