Goal Alignment: Construct Development and Measurement of a Moderator of Commitment
Abstract
Previous research has provided evidence that commitment to one target can have implications for outcomes of relevance to another. In this research, I propose a construct, goal alignment, to help explain these crossover effects. I also develop a scale to assess goal alignment, the target-free Goal Alignment Measure (GAM), and investigate its moderating effects as they pertain to organizational and occupational commitment. Two studies were conducted in this research, an experimental vignette design with a student population and a survey study with full-time employees. Results provide support for the psychometric quality of the GAM but mixed support for goal alignment as a moderator. However, goal alignment is found to act as a unique predictor of occupational commitment, organizational commitment, and some outcomes. Implications for research, organizations, and occupational groups are discussed.