How Self-Efficacy Affects Work Performance

The article in this series explains the relationship between self-efficacy and work performance. The article discusses the relationship between employees' internal authority and task performance, their ability to overcome phobias, and how they sort priorities. It also explains how self-efficacy affects engagement at work. Here are some examples of how self-efficacy affects work performance. The article is relevant to anyone who works for a company or wants to be the best at their job.


Employees' sense of internal authority
Oftentimes managers wonder why employees comply with group norms but withhold productivity. The answer to this puzzle lies in employee conformity to group pressures. When an individual complies with group pressures, he or she may actually feel less constrained than in other situations. A study by Solomon Asch shed light on this dilemma. It found that the perception of internal authority is strongly linked to performance.

Their ability to overcome phobias
People with phobias can be less productive at work. One study found that people with workplace phobias took more sick days than those without. Moreover, those with such phobias were less satisfied with their work. A recent study suggests that one out of three people in the UK have some kind of phobia, which can affect their work. While there is no cure for this phobia, treatments can help to overcome it.

Their ability to sort their priorities
Task prioritisation refers to an individual's ability to arrange assigned responsibilities in order of importance. Physicians identified it as one of the most critical non-technical skills required when working out of hours. In a systematic review, the ability to sort one's priorities affected work performance. Several factors were associated with task prioritisation, including length, urgency, importance, and reward. It also depended on the person's experience and personality.

Their ability to focus on tasks more efficiently
The more time workers can spend focused on a task, the more productive they are likely to be. When employees spend enough time focusing on a task, they'll produce higher-quality work, complete tasks faster, and make fewer mistakes. One of the best ways to focus on a task is to avoid distractions and to work in a quiet environment. While some employees may find that working alone makes it easier to concentrate, it can also benefit them to concentrate better.


Their perceptions of job-related relationships
Recent research suggests that workers' self-reported job-related experiences influence job performance. The results show that both job insecurity and job performance are associated with self-rated perceptions of job performance. This approach is a better choice than objective measures because self-reports capture unconscious thoughts and emotions. However, future studies need to incorporate supervisor judgments to assess whether job-related experiences impact employee health. Here are some of the key findings from the study.