Role efficacy within interdependent teams, measurement development and tests of theory

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to examine a newly defined construct - role efficacy (RE) within the context of interdependent sport teams. Role efficacy was conceptualized as a form of efficacy beliefs that reflects the confidence of individuals performing specialized interdependent role functions within groups. In Study One, a theoretically-based measure of RE was developed in which basketball players indicated their efficacy for performing specific role functions. Utilizing Kenny and Lavoie's (1985) statistical technique for detecting the interdependence of responses within groups, it was revealed that RE was an independent belief and distinct from group perceptions of collection efficacy (CE). As predicted by self-efficacy theory, RE was moderated by the amount of direct experience gained by players differing in starting status. It was concluded that this initial attempt to measure and validate the construct held promise for further investigation.

As a second step in developing and validating a new construct, Study Two examined the psychometric characteristics of the RE measure and the divergent validity of RE. Results supporting the psychometric reliability of the RE measure, the consistency of Study One findings, and the distinctness of RE from other role and group related constructs were obtained. In addition, the theorized relationship between RE and perceived role performance effectiveness was supported. Thus, Studies One and Two offered corresponding and complimentary evidence for the conceptual uniqueness and construct validity of RE.

The purpose of Study Three was to further examine the conceptual distinctiveness of RE and investigate theorized mediational and prospective relationships between RE and perceived role performance effectiveness. Role efficacy was found to be distinct from individual task self-efficacy and, as predicted by theory, mediated the relationship between that construct and perceived role performance effectiveness. The predictive validity of RE was also demonstrated with regards to subsequent perceptions of both role performance effectiveness and RE.

Taken together, the findings of these three studies suggest that RE is a salient perception among members of interdependent sport teams and offer some promising preliminary support for the conceptual uniqueness and theoretical validity of the RE construct. Future researchers are encouraged to examine RE in groups that vary in the amount of task interdependence and determine if RE is amenable to change through intervention as suggested by Bandura (1997).