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How Focusing on Superordinate Goals Motivates Broad, Long-Term Goal Pursuit: A Theoretical Perspective
Bettina Höchli1, Adrian Brügger1, Claude Messner1
1Department of Consumer Behavior, Institute of Marketing and Management, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 19, 2018
Summary
Challenging, specific goals motivate performance, but broad, abstract goals are also crucial for long-term motivation. Combining both goal types enhances success in achieving long-term objectives.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Goal-setting theory emphasizes specific, short-term goals (subordinate goals) for motivation.
- Existing research underemphasizes the role of broad, abstract goals (superordinate goals) in long-term challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend goal-setting theory by highlighting the motivational benefits of superordinate goals.
- To theoretically demonstrate the advantage of pursuing both subordinate and superordinate goals for long-term achievement.
Main Methods:
- This is a theoretical review article.
- It synthesizes existing literature on goal-setting theory.
- It proposes a theoretical extension to incorporate superordinate goals.
Main Results:
- Superordinate goals are vital for motivating behavior in broad, long-term challenges.
- Focusing on both subordinate and superordinate goals leads to greater success in long-term goal pursuit than focusing on either alone.
Conclusions:
- Superordinate goals play a critical role in motivating sustained effort towards long-term objectives.
- An integrated approach combining specific (subordinate) and broad (superordinate) goals optimizes long-term performance and motivation.
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