Goal Setting Theory on Mobile Fitness Application Engagement: The Mediating Role of Goal Mechanisms
Keywords:
engagement, goal core, goal mechanisms, Goal Setting Theory (GST)Abstract
This empirical paper fills the research gap by modelling goal mechanisms on the extension of Goal Setting Theory (GST) as a mediator in the relationship between the goal core (GC) and individual engagement in mobile fitness application. Data were gathered from a survey whereby 355 mobile fitness application users completed the questionnaire of the study. The paper analysed data using structural equation model (SEM) and specifically the partial least square-based structural equation modelling. Two stages of analysis were conducted: the measurement model and the structural model. The results indicate that goal mechanisms have a significant impact on individual engagement in which it has provided enough evidence to support the hypothesis that individuals with goal mechanisms in the mobile fitness application engaged better. Consistently, goal mechanisms significantly mediate the relationship between goal core and individual engagement. The contribution of the paper is threefold: first, it increases the literature database regarding the antecedents of goal mechanisms on Goa lSetting Theory (GST); second, it changes the way we perceive the relationship between goal core and engagement by introducing goal mechanisms as a mediator and lastly, it provides guidance on engagement strategy decisions to fitness trainers and centres and serves as the basis for future research
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