Effective leadership programs require a thorough understanding of audience needs, including aspects like goal orientation and motivation. This understanding is particularly crucial in food system leadership development, where resources are scarce, yet the potential impacts are significant. As leaders navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector, designing programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of participants is essential. By incorporating empirical insights regarding program participant goal orientation and motivation, program developers can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of leadership initiatives within the food system context. I'm excited to share the results of a study I conducted with several amazing colleagues examining the relationship between goal orientation and demographic characteristics. As a quick note, all the results are based on data collected among agricultural leadership development program participants, and should therefore only be interpreted among respondents - all participants should always be considered and treated as individuals (additional study limitations are detailed further below).
Age and Goal Orientation
Younger participants had more performance-prove goal orientation (PGO-P), indicating a desire to prove competence.
Older individuals prioritized personal growth and mastery, showcasing higher levels of learning goal orientation.
Tailoring motivational strategies based on individual needs may help to improve relevance.
Organizational Level and Goal Orientation
Learning goal orientation increased as individuals moved up the organizational hierarchy.
Upper-level management personnel viewed failure as a learning opportunity, while non-supervisory employees exhibited a greater aversion to failure.
Differences in risk tolerance and job security concerns influenced goal orientation within organizational levels.
Educational Attainment and Goal Orientation
Educational attainment did not exhibit a clear correlation with goal orientation.
Cognitive ability and educational background may not significantly influence goal orientation within adult food system leadership development programs.
Educators are urged to focus on other learner characteristics when designing motivational strategies.
Geographic Region Differences in Goal Orientation
Distinct goal orientation tendencies were observed across different geographic regions.
Considering individual differences over broad generalizations is essential in understanding regional variations.
Important Limitations to Consider
Generalizability of the findings is limited and should not be misinterpreted.
Consideration of effect size is important, as low effect sizes may not warrant immediate action.
Educational environments, including leadership programs, and their participants are diverse and unique, requiring tailored approaches.
Implications and recommendations provided should only serve as a starting point for consideration in adult food system leadership development programs.
Educators are advised to assess individual dispositional tendencies and program-level results before implementing interventions.
The interplay between goal orientation and demographic factors underscores the complexity of leadership development within the food system domain. By acknowledging and accommodating these differences, educators can foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment. A nuanced understanding of goal orientation can be a powerful tool in helping to develop the food system leaders of tomorrow. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments section below. I've also attached the full manuscript if you are interested in learning more.
Lamm, K. W., Powell, A., & Lamm, A. J. (2020). Examining the relationship between goal orientation and individual characteristics amongst agricultural leadership development program participants. Journal of Agricultural Education, 61(3), 144-163. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.03144
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