Motivation in the Norwegian Postenliga: a quantitative study of motivational orientation of elite, male handball players in Norway

Abstract

This study examined motivational orientation related to different variables according to achievement goal theory in the Norwegian top handball league for men in 2011/2012. 177 of the 225 registered players responded to the electronic questionnaire (78,7%). Results indicated, as hypothesized, that players with most playing time scored higher on both task orientation and perception of task climate. There were also additional indications; e.g. that playing time correlated positively with age and pay, meaning the older the players are the more playing time they reported, in addition to increased pay. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research; future directions and implications for researchers, coaches and athletes are suggested. As sport psychology has grown exponentially over the past few decades, and sport journalists chase after athletes with motivational issues like cats chasing mice; I believe it is time to put the bulls’ eye on motivational orientation for handball players.