Task-Completion Schedules: Determinants and Consequences for Performance

This study investigated task characteristics and individual differences as predictors of task scheduling, i.e., the timeliness with which tasks are completed. It also assessed the impact of task scheduling on performance. Ninety-eight undergraduate management students were assigned six tasks as part of their requirements in an organizational behavior course. Students were free to select from multiple opportunities to complete each task throughout the semester. They completed difficult tasks later and boring tasks earlier. Students with high need for achievement completed tasks later. Successful prior performance and workload were associated with earlier task completion. Early task completion resulted in superior performance. Implications for work organizations are discussed.