Group functioning through optimal achievement goals

Chris Harwood, Mark R. Beauchamp, Richard J. Keegan

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookChapterpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter describes the tenets of achievement goal theory, including recent conceptual developments, and reviewing research that has focused on links with group-related constructs. The introduction of achievement goal theory into sport generated a wave of research into the intrapersonal and environmental influences of athlete functioning. The chapter offers applied examples and illustrations so that practitioners and coaches are able to develop best practice in facilitating group dynamics that is informed by achievement motivation research. Beyond individual differences in achievement goals, there are also a number of questions related to the influence of situational factors that remain unanswered or underexplored, in particular with respect to the nature of motivational climates. Social loafing occurs when individuals exert less effort in a team than when working alone and, when individual contributions are less identifiable, the possibility of social loafing increases. Within sport psychology, group cohesion has been identified as a major determinant of both individual and collective behavior within teams.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGroup Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology
EditorsMark R. Beauchamp, Mark A. Eys
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Chapter11
Pages279-297
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781134471614
ISBN (Print)9780415835763
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014

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