Pursuing goals with others: Group identification and motivation resulting from things done versus things left undone.

Abstract

This article addresses what factors best motivate individuals to work toward shared goals. We propose that when individuals do not identify highly with a group, their contributions will mimic others': An emphasis on things done will increase their contributions toward achieving a goal, because such emphasis suggests the goal is worth pursuing. Conversely, we propose that when individuals identify highly with a group, their contributions will compensate for others': An emphasis on things left undone will increase their own contributions, because missing contributions suggest insufficient progress toward a goal they already consider worthwhile. Five studies lend support to these predictions by measuring contributions to goals centered on idea generation and helping victims of various global disasters (earthquake in Haiti, wildfires in Southern California, rioting in Kenya).

Organizational Social Capital and Performance Information Use: Analyzing the Link and Its Implications for Public Management

“…The previous literature on cognitive social capital (Leana & Van Buren, 1999;Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998) and on the behavioral and psychology literature (Fishbach et al, 2011;Shteynberg & Galinsky, 2011), supports the idea that sharing common goals within an organization will enhance performance information use. Performance information is fundamental for public managers to determine whether the organization is headed in the right direction-toward the achievement of the defined goals-or whether corrective actions are needed.…”

“…Furthermore and more importantly, as indicated in previous analyses, performance information could be used by managers as a motivational factor for the organizations to move toward the achievement of organizational goals. Making public sector employees aware of their contribution toward the achievement of organizational goals will increase their effort and commitment in the organization (Fishbach et al, 2011). Therefore, having an organization that shares the same goals (i.e., having an organization with cognitive social capital) will enhance managers' ability to use performance information.…”

“…This measure helps to quantify employees' individual contributions (Fishbach et al, 2011) toward the achievement of shared goals.…”

“…Following a behavioral analysis on motivation and group identification in pursuing shared goals by Fishbach et al (2011), two different types of individuals in an organization exist: those who identify less with their group and/or organization and those who identify highly with their group and/or organization (Fishbach et al, 2011).…”

The Role of Motivation and Creativity in Sustaining Volunteerism of Citizenship for Positive Youth Development after the Great East Japan Earthquake

“…The extent to which individuals think of themselves in terms of a particular social identity typically varies as a function of situational cues. Fishbach, Henderson, and Koo (2011) argued that social identity increases in strength when individuals achieve goals set at the group level rather than at the personal level. This is especially the case when people share similar characteristics, such as an affiliation with the same organization.…”