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Exploring how constraints created by other people influence intraindividual variation in objective performance
Greg L Stewart1, Amit K Nandkeolyar
1Department of Management and Organizations, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000, USA. greg-stewart@uiowa.edu
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|July 20, 2007
Summary
Objective performance indicators show low reliability over time, especially in complex jobs. This study reveals that the actions of others significantly impact individual performance variability, explaining much of this instability.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Sports Science
- Performance Measurement
Background:
- Objective performance indicators often lack test-retest reliability, particularly in demanding roles.
- The underlying causes of temporal instability in performance metrics remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of social interactions on intraindividual performance variation.
- To identify factors contributing to the lack of temporal stability in objective performance indicators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of weekly performance data from 106 professional football players.
- Examination of the relationship between environmental fluctuations caused by others and individual performance outcomes.
Main Results:
- Significant intraindividual variability was observed in weekly performance outcomes.
- Environmental fluctuations, driven by the actions of others, explained a substantial portion of this variance.
- The impact of competitor actions on performance was stronger for individuals with historically fluctuating performance and in more complex jobs.
Conclusions:
- The actions of others create environmental instability, which is a key factor in the low temporal stability of objective performance indicators.
- Job complexity and individual performance history moderate the relationship between social constraints and performance outcomes.
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