Mediating Influence of Goal Orientation in Teams of Petroleum Industry

Abstract

Past research on teams lists various factors that impact team effectiveness. This research paper studies the factor ‘goal orientation’, which measures the capacity of a multi-disciplinary team to remain focused on the team goal. The findings of this paper are based on qualitative research with analysis of in-depth interviews of senior team leaders and team members in two major Indian petroleum-exploration companies. The findings propose a conceptual framework for goal orientation in teams of the industry. The framework brings out three factors of ‘goal orientation’: (1) self-efficacy, (2) self-set goals and (3) performance. The most important research finding is the role of these factors of ‘goal orientation’ in the team model, where goal orientation mediates teams through the first two factors and moderates teams through the third. Based on the findings, this study recommends that ‘goal orientation’ in individuals should be the main criterion to choose members for teams in the industry. ‘Goal orientation’ is more important than other criteria, like task orientation or competency.