Self-efficacy refers to what?

• A. An individual's belief in their ability to succeed.
• B. A leader's belief in their authority.
• C. The organization's belief in market success.
• D. A team's belief in external validation.

Answer: (A)

Self-efficacy centers on a person’s belief in their own ability to succeed at the tasks they undertake. That belief influences how they plan, how much effort they put in, how long they persist in the face of obstacles, and how they recover from setbacks. The best choice captures this precise idea: it describes an individual’s belief in their capability to succeed. It’s not about a leader’s belief in their authority, the organization’s belief in market success, or a team’s belief in external validation, which pertain to others or to outcomes outside the person’s own abilities. Remember, self-efficacy is task-specific and can vary by domain—for instance, someone might feel highly capable in technical tasks yet unsure in public speaking—and can be strengthened through mastery experiences, modeling, encouragement, and good emotional regulation.