Self-efficacy

Definition of self-efficacy

Self-efficacy is a person’s belief in his or her own ability to achieve goals. To be self-efficient is to believe that you have the ability and determination to overcome obstacles and take control of your situation.

Self-efficacy is a key concept in social psychology and the social learning theory developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. It refers to a person’s belief in his or her ability to perform a specific task or achieve a goal.

The psychological basis of self-efficacy is based on the individual’s beliefs in his or her personal abilities, which are shaped by several factors, including:

• Personal experience: A person’s past successes and failures can influence their perception of their own abilities. Successful experiences can reinforce self-confidence, while failures can negatively affect self-perception and confidence in one’s own abilities.
• Observation of others: Observing others succeed or fail at similar tasks can affect self-perception and confidence in one’s own abilities.
• Verbal persuasion: The positive or negative messages other people convey can influence self-perception and confidence in one’s own abilities.
• Physiological and emotional states: Emotions and physiological states such as anxiety, tension or fatigue can influence self-perception and confidence in one’s own abilities.

Self-efficacy theory suggests that people who believe in their abilities tend to be more committed and persistent in their efforts, and are more likely to succeed in achieving their goals. Consequently, promoting self-efficacy can be a powerful tool for improving individual motivation and performance in many fields, including education, health, sport, business and clinical psychology.

Corporate self-efficacy

Low self-efficacy in business can have a number of negative consequences for individuals and for the organization as a whole. Here are a few examples:

• Low motivation: Employees with low self-efficacy may lack the motivation to accomplish their tasks, which can lead to lower productivity.
• Low confidence: Employees with low self-efficacy may lack confidence in their competencies and problem-solving skills, which can affect their ability to work independently.
• Stress and anxiety: Employees with low self-efficacy may experience increased stress and anxiety when faced with professional challenges, which can affect their emotional well-being and mental health.
• Low self-esteem: Employees with low self-efficacy may develop low self-esteem and devalue themselves, which can affect their confidence and ability to succeed at work.
• High turnover: Employees with low self-efficacy may be more inclined to seek employment elsewhere, as they feel unable to meet the professional challenges they face.

It is therefore important for employers to create a work environment that encourages self-efficacy by offering training, career development opportunities, positive feedback and the resources needed to help employees meet professional challenges. This can improve employee motivation, satisfaction and performance, which in turn can lead to greater organizational success.

How to increase self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy, a concept developed by Albert Bandura, represents an individual’s belief in his or her ability to accomplish specific tasks and achieve goals. Its development can be systematically reinforced by several complementary approaches.

Mastery experiences

The most effective way to reinforce self-efficacy is to accumulate experiences of success. It’s crucial to start with realistic, progressive goals, establishing a series of successes that gradually build confidence. Each success reinforces personal conviction in one’s abilities and establishes a solid foundation for tackling greater challenges.

Vicarious learning

A powerful source of self-efficacy is the observation of people similar to oneself succeeding in their endeavors. Identifying with relevant role models enables you to visualize the possibility of success in concrete terms, and to acquire effective strategies through observation. Mentoring and experience-sharing play an essential role here.

Social persuasion

Encouragement and constructive feedback from credible and respected people contribute significantly to the development of self-efficacy. Such feedback should be sincere and specific, focusing on efforts and progress rather than general compliments.

Managing physiological and emotional states

The ability to interpret and manage physical and emotional reactions to challenges directly influences self-efficacy. Learning stress management and emotional regulation techniques helps maintain an optimal state for performance and self-confidence.

Structured goal setting

Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound) creates a framework for developing self-efficacy. These objectives make it easier to measure progress and recognize achievements.

Developing self-efficacy therefore requires a systematic and progressive approach, combining practical experience, social learning and personal development. Once reinforced, this competency becomes a powerful driver of success and professional fulfillment.

To find out more

Here are a few resources to help you better understand the concept of self-efficacy:

1. “Self-efficacy: The Exercise of Control” by Albert Bandura: This book is the classic reference on self-efficacy, written by the pioneer of the theory. It provides an in-depth analysis of self-efficacy theory and its application in different contexts.
2. “Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Adolescents” by Frank Pajares: This book is a useful resource for understanding self-efficacy in adolescents, exploring the factors that influence self-efficacy and its impact on academic success.
3. “Self-efficacy: Implications for Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management” by Sharon K. Parker and Edwin A. Locke: This article examines the role of self-efficacy in the organizational context, highlighting implications for human resource management and organizational behavior.
4. “Self-Efficacy: A Theoretical Analysis of Its Determinants and Malleability” by Dale H. Schunk and Barry J. Zimmerman: This article provides a detailed analysis of the determinants of self-efficacy, as well as strategies for increasing self-efficacy in different contexts.
5. “The Power of Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Academic Resilience” by Sherri L. Turner and Laura D. Patrick: This article explores the role of self-efficacy in academic resilience, highlighting strategies for enhancing self-efficacy in students.

Resource :

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-efficacy-2795954