A study of agentic self-efficacy and agentic competence across Britain and the USA

Golnaz Sadri

doi:10.1108/02621719610107818

Document Information:
Title:	A study of agentic self-efficacy and agentic competence across Britain and the USA
Author(s):	Golnaz Sadri, (California State University, Fullerton, California, USA)
Citation:	Golnaz Sadri, (1996) "A study of agentic self-efficacy and agentic competence across Britain and the USA", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 15 Iss: 1, pp.51 - 61
Keywords:	Competences, Individual behaviour, National cultures, United Kingdom, USA, Work psychology
Article type:	Conceptual Paper
DOI:	10.1108/02621719610107818 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	The reality of working in multicultural environments, in multinational companies and in a global marketplace have made an understanding of potential cultural and country differences imperative. Focuses on two constructs relevant to the study of work-related behaviour, agentic self-efficacy and agentic competence. Self-efficacy may be defined as an individual’s judgement of his/her capability to organize and execute a course of action required to attain a designated type of performance. Agentic behaviour includes creating and/or taking advantage of opportunities, risk-taking behaviour, assertiveness in the protection of one’s rights and in the pursuit of one’s goals, persistence in goal pursuits, and willingness to change one’s situation to achieve a better fit with interests, aspirations and expectations. Examines differences in agentic competence and agentic self-efficacy across two countries: Britain and the USA. No significant differences emerged from the results, indicating the cross-country applicability of the two concepts examined. Suggests that further research of this nature, across a broader range of constructs and countries, is needed.