Using path analysis, this study examined the direct and indirect influence of clarity of goals on the work and company satisfaction of 216 salespeople. Role conflict and ambiguity were intervening variables. The study's proposed conceptual model was not totally supported. The results suggest external validity of clarity of goals as an important influence on satisfaction and that perceptions of role have a significant influence in the process.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BagozziR. P.Salesforce performance and satisfaction as a function of individual differences, interpersonal, and situational factors. Journal of Marketing Research, 1978, 15, 517–531.
2.
BrethowerK.Performance indicators as feedback in business settings. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univer. of Michigan, 1973.
3.
ChurchillG. A.FordN. M.WalkerO. C.Jr.Measuring the job satisfaction of industrial salesmen. Journal of Marketing Research, 1974, 11, 254–260.
4.
ChurchillG. A.FordN. M.WalkerO. C.Jr.Organizational climate and job satisfaction in the sales force. Journal of Marketing Research, 1976, 13, 323–332.
5.
CronbachL. J.Essentials of psychological testing. (3rd ed.) New York: Harper & Row, 1970.
6.
DeciE. L.The effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1971, 18, 105–116.
7.
DonnellyJ. H.Jr.IvancevichJ. M.Role clarity and the salesman. Journal of Marketing, 1975, 12, 71–74.
8.
FutrellC. M.Measurement of salespeople's job satisfaction: Convergent and discriminant validity of corresponding INDSALES and Job Descriptive Index scales. Journal of Marketing Research, 1979, 16, 594–597.
9.
HerzbergF.MausnerB.SnydermanB.The motivation to work. New York: Wiley, 1959.
10.
HouseR. J.RizzoJ. R.Toward the measurement of organizational practices. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1972, 56, 388–396.
11.
KahnL.WolfeD. M.QuinnR. P.SnoekJ. D.Organizational stress: Studies in role conflict and ambiguity. New York: Wiley, 1964.
12.
KerlingerF. N.PedhazurE. J.Multiple regression in behavioral research. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1973.
13.
LathamG. P.KinneS. B.Improving job performance through training in goal setting. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1974, 59, 187–191.
14.
LockeE. A.Toward a theory of task performance and incentives. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1968, 3, 157–189.
15.
LockeE. A.CartledgeN.KnerrC. S.Studies of the relationship between satisfaction, goal-setting, and performance. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1970, 4, 135–158.
16.
LockeE. A.CartledgeN.KoeppelJ.Motivational effects of knowledge of results: A goal-setting phenomenon. Psychological Bulletin, 1968, 70, 474–485.
17.
LyonsT. L.Role clarity, need for clarity, satisfaction, tension, and withdrawal. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1971, 6, 99–110.
18.
MilesR. A.A comparison of the relative impacts of role perceptions of ambiguity and conflict by role. Academy of Management Journal, 1976, 19, 25–35.
19.
RizzoJ. R.HouseR. J.LirtzmanS. I.Role conflict and ambiguity in complex organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 1970, 15, 150–163.
20.
SkinnerB. F.Contingencies of reinforcement. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1969.
21.
SwanJ. E.FutrellC. M.ToddJ. T.Same job—different views: Women and men in industrial sales. Journal of Marketing, 1978, 42, 92–98.
22.
SzilogyiA.Jr.SimsH. P.Jr.KellerR. T.Role dynamics, locus of control and employee attitudes and behavior. Academy of Management Journal, 1976, 19, 259–276.
23.
ToddJ. T.The management control process: A behavioral science approach. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Harvard University Business School, Boston, 1973.