The Effect of Self-Confidence and Intrinsic Motivation of Players, Team Cohesion and Collective Efficacy on Performance of Volleyball Teams

The purpose of the present study was survey has examined the effect of two individual psychological variables include self-confidence and motivation of players, and two social psychological variables include team cohesion and collective efficacy on performance of student's volleyball teams.

Players from 10 teams (n=120) that participated in volleyball competitions of AZAD university's (region 10) completed the 4 questionnaires comprised group environment questionnaire (Carron et al, 1985), Collective efficacy (Feltz & Lirgg, 1998), trait sport-confidence inventory (Villay, 1986), and Intrinsic motivation questionnaire (McAuley, 1986). Data were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient, one way ANOVA and Tukey Post hoc test. For evaluation of team performance, the schedule of competition in end of competitions was divided to three parts. The first four teams were considered as successful teams, the second three ones were considered as less successful teams, and the third three ones were considered as unsuccessful teams.

Results showed that athletes from successful teams rated high in self-confidence and collective efficacy than less successful and unsuccessful teams. There is no significant difference between athletes self-confidence of less successful teams than unsuccessful teams. Also, findings revealed that there were no significant differences between athlete's intrinsic motivation and cohesion level of successful, less successful and unsuccessful teams. At last result showed there is positive and significant correlation between collective efficacy with players Confidence (r=0.41) and players intrinsic motivation with team cohesion (r=0.41).

Overall, findings supported the effect of some of individual characteristic and team dynamics on team performance and success.