A Simple Model of Performance-enhancing Goals

Daniel Léonard, Ngo Long and Antoine Soubeyran

CIRANO Working Papers from CIRANO

Abstract: We show that goal setting influences effort level, and that an appropriately set goal can enhance performance. We derive an inverted U-shaped relationship between the goal and the effort level. We then extend the model to a two-period framework, and demonstrate that the goal level set for period 1, together with success or failure, can affect the self-confidence level in period two, which in turn influences period-two optimal goal, effort, and performance. The optimal choice of period-one goal to maximize period-two payoff is derived, under alternative assumptions about the relationship between the goal setter and the (potential) goal achiever. Nous montrons que les objectifs choisis influencent le niveau d'effort et qu'un objectif bien choisi peut améliorer les performances. Nous déduisons une relation en forme de cloche' entre l'objectif et l'effort. Nous généralisons le modèle en introduisant une seconde période et démontrons que l'objectif choisi pour la première période influence le moral dans la deuxième période, et de là l'effort, l'objectif choisi et la performance en deuxième période. Les choix optimaux des objectifs sont caractérisés sous différentes hypothèses à propos des relations entre celui qui choisit l'objectif (l'entraîneur) et celui qui tente de l'atteindre (l'athlète).

Keywords: confidence; effort; performance; success; effort; moral; performance; succès (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006-11-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-bec and nep-cbe
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cir:cirwor:2006s-22

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