Job Performance and Self-Efficacy of Final Assembly Workers in Southeastern Automobile Manufacturing Facilities

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between final assembly workers’ job performance and self-efficacy as assessed by self-reported job performance and general self-efficacy instruments. Study participants were selected based on their employment at one of the Southeastern United States automobile manufacturing facilities primarily located in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to look for statistically significant differences in job performance or self-efficacy based on group membership in either of the independent variables (facility, job function, education level, race/ethnicity). The findings indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the two measures (job performance and self-efficacy) based on the facility where study participants were employed, their job functions, levels of education, and their race and ethnicity. Recommendations for practice and future research were discussed in the context of major adult education theories.