The present study investigated variables that moderated the relationship between role ambiguity and self-efficacy. Results of a field study found support for the moderating role of learning goal orientation, such that the relationship between role ambiguity and self-efficacy was weaker when learning goal orientation was high. In addition, we found…

Drawing upon role-making theory, this study examines which new job market entrants, following college graduation, find informal mentors and how much mentoring they receive from these mentors using a predictive design. Our results suggest that individuals lower in negative affectivity and higher in cognitive ability as well as women, individuals…

Although research indicates that making progress on personal work goals predicts positive job attitudes, little is known about the role of conscientiousness in moderating this relationship. Congruence theories suggest that job attitudes will be more dependent on goal progress when employees are high in conscientiousness, whereas compensation…

Examined career exploration and goal setting among managers. High work role salience and the perceived availability of mobility opportunities were associated with participation in career exploration. Moreover, managers who aspired to different positions in the organization engaged in more career exploration. Highly anxious managers were less…

To extend research on fundamental motivational orientations into a new domain, we explored the achievement (positive) and avoidance (negative) orientations of formal organization-based mentors and proteges as joint predictors of personal learning experienced by both parties. We also examined the extent of mentoring functions provided by mentors as…

A 3-year study of 82 young professionals found that work-related well-being was predicted by selection (commitment to personal goals), optimization (application of goal-related skills), and compensation (maintaining goals in the face of loss). The degree of compensation predicted emotional well-being and job satisfaction 3 years later. (Contains…

Examined age variance in the relationship of women's achievement needs and values to their participation in paid employment. Studied a cross-sectional sample of 1120 women, ages 22-64. Findings suggested that women's labor force participation is partially a function of the interaction between career and family task demands and values. (Author/JAC)