Hierarchical representation of motives in goal setting

J Appl Psychol. 2003 Oct;88(5):915-43. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.915.

Abstract

The authors developed a framework for thinking about motives in goal setting. The reasons for choosing a particular goal are represented in a hierarchical network of motives. To uncover context-specific motives and their interconnections, the authors propose a procedure based on the elicitation of justifications for one's goal. The authors applied the procedure to the motivation of volunteering to join the Italian Army by officers (N = 151) and 3 groups of enlisted soldiers (Garibaldi Brigade, N = 141; Folgore Brigade, N = 144; and volunteers in training, N = 150). The resulting idiographic motives and linkages between motives were validated by regressing attitudes, intentions to reenlist, and commitment toward the army on motives and linkages between motives. A heuristic nomothetic summary of goals, arranged in an interconnected hierarchy, was derived.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Career Mobility
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Motivation*