Group Goal Setting and Group Performance in a Physical Activity Context

Shauna M. Burke, University of Western Ontario
Kim M. Shapcott
Albert V. Carron
Michael H. Bradshaw
Paul A. Estabrooks

Abstract

The primary purpose was to examine the relationship between group goal setting and group performance in an exercise setting. The secondary purpose was to determine whether cohesion, self-efficacy, and physical activity level influenced the magnitude of the group-goal/group-performance relationship. The sample consisted of 6,356 participants (N = 1,325 groups) who were registered for an 8-week walking program. Results revealed a positive and significant relationship between group goal setting and group performance. Analyses also showed that cohesion was not a moderator while physical activity level and self-efficacy were; the strength of the relationship between group goal setting and group performance was enhanced as the group average for self-efficacy and physical activity increased. Further analyses revealed that physical activity level and self-efficacy interacted in a conjunctive manner to influence the group-goal/group-performance relationship; groups high in physical activity and self-efficacy showed a stronger relationship than groups with other combinations of the two.