Mastery Goal Orientation and Performance Affect the Development of Leader Efficacy During Leader Development

Abstract

Leader efficacy is a key outcome of leader development, but little is known about if and when developmental leader experiences, such as engaging in training, relate to gains in leader efficacy. We present a theoretical model of the effects of mastery goal orientation and performance during development as determinants of leader efficacy. We argue that a mastery goal orientation, whether dispositional (Studies 1, 2) or situationally induced (Study 2), can increase performance and mitigate the deleterious effects of poor performance, resulting in higher leader efficacy. Two field studies of individuals taking leader development courses largely supported these predictions. Study 1 showed that individuals with a high dispositional mastery goal orientation (dMGO) added effort over time, performed better, and had higher leader efficacy than low dMGO individuals. The benefits of dMGO increased over the 4-week leader development course. Study 2 showed that a mastery goal intervention reduced the effects of low dMGO on leader efficacy.

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