Focus on Opportunities and Adaptive Performance: The Importance of Distinguishing Between Subjective and Objective Performance Measures.

Abstract

People who perceive more opportunities in their occupational future often report better well-being and motivation. A positive correlation with performance has also been reported, but until now, only the relationship with two broad performance dimensions, task and contextual performance, has been examined extensively. Furthermore, performance ratings often rely on self-reports, which can be biased. The present study (N = 258) helps close these research gaps. First, it examines the relationship between focus on opportunities and a specific performance facet (i.e., adaptive performance). Second, performance is assessed both subjectively and objectively. The distinction proved critical. After adjusting for education, focus on opportunities was related to self-reported adaption to change, but there was no substantial evidence that focus on opportunities promotes objective adaptive performance. Thus, it cannot yet be recommended to use focus on opportunities in organizational and educational contexts for selecting and training highly adaptable employees or students.