A Group-Level Conceptualization of the 2 × 2 Achievement Goal Framework: Antecedents and Motivational Outcomes. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Mierlo, Heleen; Van Hooft, Edwin A. J.
• Is Part Of: Group & organization management. Volume 40:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 776
• Page End: 808
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: achievement goals -- groups -- group motivation; Group relations training -- Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1177/1059601115592990
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-6011

Abstract

While achievement goal theory is well-represented in the individual motivation literature, we know little about its role in groups. In 2001, Elliot and McGregor proposed a 2 × 2 achievement goal framework, which consists of a mastery-performance goal distinction and an approach-avoidance goal distinction. In the present study, we define this 2 × 2 framework at the group level and examine antecedents and collective motivational outcomes of group-level achievement goals in a longitudinal study among 125 small student groups engaged in a debating course. Results support the group-level 2 × 2 framework, although the shared nature of group-level performance-avoidance requires further attention. Individual dispositional achievement goals, measured before group formation, predicted subsequent group-level achievement goals. Concerning group-level motivational outcomes, a group climate focused on learning and improvement seems especially beneficial, as it related positively to sustained collective effort, group reflexivity, and group task strategy effectiveness, and mitigated adverse effects of group performance-approach achievement goals.