Productivity and extra-role behavior: The effects of goals and incentives on spontaneous helping.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of goals and monetary incentives on performance and extra-role behavior. 154 Ss worked on an order-processing task for 20 min under easy, moderate, or difficult goals and were paid either a flat rate or a bonus for goal attainment. During the experimental task, a confederate co-worker attempted to elicit help from the S. Results indicated that goals were positively related to performance, that goals were negatively related to extrarole behavior among individuals committed to the goals, and that the lowest extra-role behavior was observed among Ss assigned difficult goals and paid on the basis of goal attainment. Implications are discussed