What are we measuring? An examination of the relationships between the big-five personality traits, goal orientation, and performance intentions

Goal orientation is emerging as a useful construct for understanding learning and performance. However, there is considerable confusion as to the nature of goal orientation and its relationship with related variables. To address this, we extended previous research on the relationship between goal orientation and general personality characteristics by investigating questions about the distinctiveness and utility of the constructs in predicting performance intentions. Results indicated that goal orientation and general personality traits are related but distinct constructs. Furthermore, goal orientation mediates the relationship between personality and performance intentions. Implications for the use of goal orientation as a unique predictor of learning, performance and training success are discussed.