Goal Orientation and Perceived Motivational Climate: A Longitudinal Perspective

The present study extends previous achievement goal theory research by examining goal orientations (mastery and performance orientations) contextualized within a certain motivational climate (mastery and performance climates) across three time-points spanning two years. The results revealed that both goal orientations and the motivational climate remained relatively stable throughout the two years of study among cadets from three military academies. We also found that a mastery climate predicted individual mastery orientation, and that a performance climate predicted individual performance orientation. These findings contribute to achievement goal theory by clarifying the importance of considering goal orientation contextualized within a certain motivational climate over time. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.