Self-Monitoring. Cognitive Processes and Performance.

The findings of two laboratory experiments and three field studies conducted at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy dealing with the effects of self-monitoring are reported. The laboratory studies showed a significant relationship between self-monitoring, task persistence, and cognitive interference. The field studies showed significant differences between positive and negative self-monitoring with regard to how new Coast Guard Academy cadets respond to entry into a complex, stress-arousing organizational setting. The five studies reveal that positive self-monitoring has a salutary effect on performance, cognitive interference, and self evaluation. The research suggests that both psychological theory and organizational effectiveness might be significantly advanced with an increase in knowledge about how people deal with self-related attentional cues. Author