Explain how a manager's understanding of the concept of self-efficacy could be used to improve the performance and mental outlook of subordinates.

Self-efficacy refers to the individual's estimate of his or her own ability to perform a specific task in a particular situation.The greater the perceived ability to perform the task,the higher the self-efficacy will be.Employees with high self-efficacy believe that (1)they have the ability needed, (2)they are capable of the effort required,and (3)no outside events will keep them from performing at a high level.If employees have low self-efficacy,they believe that no matter how hard they try,something will happen to prevent them from reaching the desired level of performance.Self-efficacy influences people's choices of tasks and goals,the level of effort they exert,and the persistence with which they stay with a complex task.Individuals with higher self-efficacy are more likely to try harder at more challenging tasks for longer periods of time and across a variety of obstacles,and are thus more likely to perform successfully than those with low self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy can be increased under appropriate conditions.Self-efficacy levels are influenced by past experience,the manager's expectations,and peers' norms.A manager who understands these facts can increase the self-efficacy levels of his or her subordinates,and thereby boost their performance levels.If the manager can create situations in which the employee may respond successfully,self-efficacy will be increased.Similarly,if the manager and peers demonstrate high expectations for the employee and provide proper training and suggestions,the employee's self-efficacy will likely increase.As the employee's self-efficacy increases,he or she is likely to try harder and persist longer,improving the probability of successful performance.Perhaps the most positive outcome may be a positive cycle of small successes leading to small but continuous improvements in performance over time,ultimately resulting in a much happier,more satisfied,more self-confident,and productive employee with much higher levels of self-esteem,who is willing and able to take on more and more challenging tasks.