The Effects on Performance of the Congruence Between Goal-Setting Strategies and Socio-Cultural Values

Abstract

Research on participation in goal-setting has been examined by using a moral approach irrespective of its practicality, and by using a practical approach disregarding the moderating effects of social and cultural values, (Locke and Schweiger, 1979). The former strongly advocates participation in decision-making as well as industrial democracy, power equalisation and worker self-management, because these are consistent with the democratic values of Western societies, (Dachler and Wilpert, 1979), and with human needs for autonomy and self-growth, (Hackman, 1979). On the other hand, the practical approach is focussed on the relationship between goal-setting strategies and performance irrespective of. cultural and social values and their impact upon goal acceptance and legitimacy of the goal strategy.