Recreation Theory and Philosophy

Drawing on positive psychology and self‐determination theories, this study investigates the direct and indirect effects of empowering leadership on meaningful work of employees, particularly through the mediation of learning goal orientation. Longitudinal survey data of 388 employees in medical institutions were used to test the hypotheses. The results support the direct positive relationship between empowering leadership and meaningful work, but also emphasize the mediating effect of learning goal orientation within this relationship.

Studies of goal setting both in organizations and the laboratory have found that (a) specific, difficult goals lead to better performance than vague or easy goals; (b) short-term goals can facilitate the achievement of long-term goals; (c) goals affect performance by affecting effort, persistence, and direction of attention, and by motivating strategy development; (d) feedback regarding progress is necessary for goal setting to work; and (e) goals must be accepted if they are to affect performance. The implications of these findings for athletics are discussed. Ten hypotheses, based on previous research, are offered regarding the effects of goal setting in sports. In addition, suggestions are made regarding the following: setting goals for both practice and game situations; setting goals for different elements of athletic skill as well as for strength and stamina; using goals to increase self-confidence; using short-term goals to help attain long-term performance goals; improving performance by increasing task difficulty independently of goal difficulty; and obtaining goal acceptance and commitment in sports.