Self-regulatory focus theory - IELTS listening practice test

Today, I want vĩ đại talk about self-regulatory focus theory and how the actions of leaders can affect the way followers approach different situations. Self-regulatory focus theory is a theory developed by Tori Higgins. He says that a person’s focus at any given time is vĩ đại either approach pleasure or avoid pain. These are two basic motivations that each and every one of us has, and they cause us vĩ đại have different kinds of goals. Promotion goals in different life situations emphasise achievement. 

Prevention goals are oriented towards the avoidance of punishment.

In a specific situation, our thoughts might focus more on promotion goals or more on prevention goals. The theory suggests that two factors affect which goals we are focusing on. First, there is a chronic factor. This factor is connected vĩ đại a person's personality

and says that each person has a basic tendency vĩ đại either focus more on promotion goals or focus more on prevention goals as part of his or her personality. Second, there is a situational factor which means that the context we are in can make us more likely vĩ đại focus on one mix of goals or the other. 

For example, we are more likely vĩ đại be thinking about pleasure and vĩ đại have promotion goals when we are spending time with a friend. 

In contrast, if we are working on an important project for our quấn, we are more likely vĩ đại try vĩ đại avoid making mistakes and therefore have more prevention goals in our mind.

Research has shown that the goals we are focusing on at a given time affect the way we think. For example, when focusing on promotion goals, people consider their ideal self. their aspirations and gains.

They don't think about what they can lose, so sánh they think in a happier mode. They feel more inspired vĩ đại change.

When people are focusing on prevention goals, they think about their “ought" self. What are they supposed vĩ đại be? What are people expecting from them? They consider their obligations vĩ đại others. As a result, they experience more anxiety and try vĩ đại avoid situations where they could lose.

Now that I have talked about the two focuses and how they affect people, I want vĩ đại look at the idea that the way leaders behave, or their style of leading, can affect the focus that followers adopt in a specific situation.

In talking about leadership, we often mention transformational leaders and transactional leaders. Transformational leaders, when interacting with their followers, focus on their development.

In their words and actions transformational leaders highlight change. Their speech is passionate and conveys a definitive vision. 

All of these things can encourage followers vĩ đại think about what could be.  In other words, they inspire a promotion focus in their followers.

In contrast, transactional leaders focus on developing clear structures that tell their followers exactly what is expected of them. 

While they tự explain the rewards people will get for following orders, they emphasise more how a follower will be punished or that a follower won't get rewarded if his or her behaviour doesn’t change. In short, they emphasise the consequences of making a mistake. This emphasis will clearly lead followers vĩ đại focus on avoiding punishment and problems. This is clearly a prevention focus.

In conclusion, it is important vĩ đại understand that one focus is not necessarily better than thở the other one. For a designer who works in a field where a lot of innovation is needed,

a promotion focus is probably better. In contrast, a prevention focus which causes people vĩ đại work more cautiously and produce higher quality work might be very appropriate for a job lượt thích a surgeon, for example. The main point of the research, though, is that the actions of leaders can greatly influence whether people approach a situation with more of a promotion focus or more of a prevention focus.