Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

John P. Meyer

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.

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