Evidence brief · Peer-reviewed · Meta-analysis
Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 38, 69-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38002-1 (opens in a new tab)
Publisher: Elsevier (Academic Press)
- What the study reported
- Across the studies analyzed, forming implementation intentions was associated with better goal attainment than forming goal intentions alone, with the authors reporting a meaningful overall effect.
- How it informs leadership practice
- Supports pairing each Transfer commitment with at least one if-then obstacle plan rather than relying on a general intention.
- Limitations
- Studies varied in setting and outcome, and few involved workplace leaders. Results describe averages across studies, not what will happen for any one person or this library.
- Conceptual mapping
- Accelerate Leadership Readiness
Editorial interpretation. The study did not examine the H.U.M.A.N. framework.
Used in: Leading Through Change
Paraphrased summary. Read the original article via the DOI link for full methods and results.