ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION, PERSONALITY TRAITS AND THEIR RELATION TO GENERAL AND CAREER SELF-EFFICACY

Abstract

Introduction: We started from Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the onion model of achievement motivation according to Schuler & Prochaska, and 5-factor personality theory by Costa & McCrae. The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation and regression analysis of achievement motivation, personality traits, and general self-efficacy / domain-specific career self-efficacy. We expected the stronger relationship of stable personality characteristics with general self-efficacy than with specific-domain career self-efficacy. Methods: 713 adult participants (university students and working adults) completed an achievement motivation questionnaire, a five-factor personality theory questionnaire, and a general and career self-efficacy questionnaire. Results: Regression analysis showed, that confidence in success, dominance, competitiveness, and independence explained 45.7% of the general self-efficacy score. Confidence in success, independence, goal setting, fearlessness, dominance, internality, and competitiveness explained 38.5% of career self-efficacy. With the combination of personality and motivational predictors, we have achieved the following results: confidence in success, dominance and five-factor personality traits explained 59.3% of general self-efficacy. Confidence in success, independence, conscientiousness, extraversion, goal setting, fearlessness, dominance, and competitiveness explained 42.5% of career self-efficacy. Conclusion: Confidence in success, dominance, and competitiveness can be seen as general motivational predictors of self-efficacy (general or domain-specific); fearlessness of career efficacy. Achievement motivation is the stronger predictor of the general and career efficacy than personality traits are. Stable traits and achievement motivation dimensions had bigger predictive power when speaking about general self-efficacy than domain-specific career self-efficacy. Discussion: For further research, we recommend verifying relationships between self-efficacy constructs and some other important personality characteristics, e.g. attachment styles.