Skip to content
Anchorcite

Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey.

Edwin A. Locke, Gary P. Latham

American Psychologist · 2002 · 4,800 citations

doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.57.9.705

Abstract

The authors summarize 35 years of empirical research on goal-setting theory. They describe the core findings of the theory, the mechanisms by which goals operate, moderators of goal effects, the relation of goals and satisfaction, and the role of goals as mediators of incentives. The external validity and practical significance of goal-setting theory are explained, and new directions in goal-setting research are discussed. The relationships of goal setting to other theories are described as are the theory's limitations.

Cite this paper

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.57.9.705

Read it with every claim anchored

Add this paper to a project, ask questions of it, and get answers that point to the exact passage.

Start free

Related papers

  1. Efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behaviour: A meta‐analytic review2001
  2. The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change1997
  3. Perceived Behavioral Control, Self‐Efficacy, Locus of Control, and the Theory of Planned Behavior 12002
  4. Bad is Stronger than Good2001
  5. Human agency in social cognitive theory.1989

Metadata from OpenAlex (CC0). Citations are generated from the published record.