Team building through team goal setting

Abstract

Little is known about how team goal setting contributes to the products of the team building process-team cohesion and team performance. This article outlines (a) the nature and extent of group goal setting that occurs within and outside of sport, (b) why team goal setting can enhance team cohesion and team performance, (c) the findings of research into the team goal-team cohesion and the team goal-team performance relationships, and (d) factors which modify these relationships. Based upon the research presented, it is proposed that when implementing a team goal setting program, sport psychologists should (a) establish long-term goals first, (b) establish clear paths to long-term goals, (c) involve all team members in establishing team goals. (d) monitor team progress toward team goals, (e) reward team progress toward team goals, and (f) foster collective efficacy concerning the accomplishment of team goals. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on team goal setting.