Examined the generality of goal-setting theory to an industrial setting. 20 pulpwood-logging operators were matched and randomly assigned to either a 1-day training program in goal setting or a control group. Measures of production, turnover, absenteeism, and injuries were collected for 12 consecutive wks. Analyses of variance indicated that goal setting can lead to an increase in production and a decrease in absenteeism.

The effects of goal setting by supervisors on four performance criteria were investigated. A factor analysis of a questionnaire administered to 292 pulpwood producers indicated that goal setting is correlated with high productivity and a low number of injuries only when it is accompanied by supervision. Goal setting without immediate supervision was related to employee turnover. Supervision alone did not correlate with any performance criterion. No relationship was found between the two job behaviors and absenteeism. The factor analysis results pertaining to productivity were partially corroborated in a second study involving data collected from 892 additional producers.