A Study on Self-efficacy at Work and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Employees at a Federal University

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the degree of association between sociodemographic characteristics and the levels of self-efficacy at work (SEW) of 289 federal university employees. Self-efficacy is understood to be the individual's perception of his ability when performing a given activity. The beliefs of people in their ability may influence their performance and determine how the people feel, think, behave and motivate themselves. The descriptive survey data, of a quantitative nature, was analyzed using the R and Minitab statistical programs. The instrument used to collect data included sociodemographic variables and a Scale of Generally Perceived Self-efficacy. For statistical treatment of data, descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and the chi-square test were used. Characterization of the sample showed a balanced distribution of the variables investigated. Analysis of the levels of SEW showed an overall average of 3.2, higher than the overall average of other studies which is 2.9. Results of the chi-square test disclosed no association between sociodemografic characteristics and SEW, except for the variable of color or race.