The Pygmalion Effect, also known as the Rosenthal effect, is an example of self-fulfilling prophecy in which one’s expectations of someone else’s performance can influence the outcome due to the expectations being fulfilled (Rosenthal & Jacobson, 1968). This phenomenon has been studied in numerous settings, such as in the classroom and in the workplace, and has been used to explain why some people excel while others do not (Fletcher, 2018). This article will explore the concept of the Pygmalion Effect, its implications, and how it can be harnessed to improve performance.
First, it is important to understand the concept of the Pygmalion Effect. The Pygmalion Effect was first described by Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968) in their study of teachers’ expectations of their students’ academic performance. They found that when teachers had higher expectations for their students, the students tended to perform better than those who had lower expectations. This effect is thought to be due to the teachers’ expectations being relayed to the students, either consciously or unconsciously, which then influences the students’ performance.
The implications of the Pygmalion Effect are significant. It suggests that a person’s performance can be greatly influenced by their environment and the expectations of those around them. This implies that when expectations are set high, people are more likely to achieve them. It also suggests that expectations should be set realistically, as setting them too high can lead to disappointment and decreased performance, while setting them too low can lead to complacency and a lack of motivation.
The Pygmalion Effect can be harnessed to improve performance in a variety of settings. In the classroom, teachers can use the effect by setting clear expectations for their students and providing positive reinforcement when those expectations are met. In the workplace, supervisors can use the effect by providing clear direction to employees and recognizing and rewarding employees when they meet or exceed expectations.
In conclusion, the Pygmalion Effect is an example of self-fulfilling prophecy in which one’s expectations of someone else’s performance can influence the outcome due to the expectations being fulfilled. The implications of the effect are significant, as it suggests that a person’s performance can be greatly influenced by their environment and the expectations of those around them. The Pygmalion Effect can be harnessed to improve performance in a variety of settings by setting clear expectations and providing positive reinforcement.
References
Fletcher, K. (2018). The Pygmalion effect in the workplace. The Balance Careers. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/pygmalion-effect-in-the-workplace-1917911
Rosenthal, R., & Jacobson, L. (1968). Pygmalion in the classroom: Teacher expectation and pupils’ intellectual development. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.