A Theoretical Analysis of the Impact of Task Scope on Employee Performance

A model is presented linking task scope to employee motivation and performance. Emphasis is given to the importance of objective, environmental (versus psychological) conceptualizations of task scope. Psychological reactions to variations in task scope are depicted as dependent on intervening constructs. Through an expectancy model, a formulation of a task scope/performance relationship leads to a complex, situationally specific set of predictions. Additional refinements of the model are suggested.