The effects of intergroup competition and assigned group goals on group efficacy and group effectiveness

Goal setting and competition are two motivation techniques that are thought to have similar effects on goal variables and performance. This study test s the proposition that assigned goals and competition are similar in their effect. The effects of intergroup competition mid assigned group goals on a group's efficacy, goals, productivity, and inefficiency were tested using 351 undergraduate business students in 117 production work groups, in a 2 x 2 design. intergroup competition increased the groups' efficacy, goals, an d productivity and decreased inefficiency. Assigned goals increased group p roductivity. Results do not provide initial support for the proposition tha t assigned goals and competition have similar effects. Researchers and prac titioners should be aware of the potential confounding effects of competiti on on the goal-setting process and goal-setting interventions.