The neglected mediating role of self-efficacy in the goal setting process in local public administrations

Bernhard Hirsch, Christian Nitzl () and Stefan Reemts
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Bernhard Hirsch: University of the German Federal Armed Forces Munich
Christian Nitzl: University of the German Federal Armed Forces Munich
Stefan Reemts: University of the German Federal Armed Forces Munich

Journal of Business Economics, 2018, vol. 88, issue 1, No 2, 63 pages

Abstract: Abstract To analyse the role of self-efficacy in goal setting in public administrations, this study combines goal-setting theory, public service motivation literature and cognitive theory. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), survey data from 105 German civil servants are analysed. The results underline the role of goal setting (represented by goal difficulty and specificity) in determining the self-efficacy of public servants. Public service motivation and goal specificity both increase public servants’ work performance; however, the effects of goal difficulty are negatively mediated by the employee’s self-efficacy. That finding reflects the central role of self-efficacy, which should not be ignored in the goal-setting processes of public administrations.

Keywords: Goal setting; PSM; Self-efficacy; Mediating effects; PLS-SEM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s11573-017-0863-7

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