Political dimensions of achievement psychology: perspectives on selfhood, confidence and policy from a new Indonesian province

Achievement is a highly political issue. Under the conditions of contemporary globalisation, in which citizens of different nations are faced with the prospect of ving against eah other for lucrative and prestigious jobs in the 'global knowledge economy,' securing 'international competitiveness' is a priority governments around the world. Indeed, the rise of achivement indicators that rank nation-states and regions according to how 'competitive' they are globally - something measured in terms of economic performance, poverty reduction and levels of 'human development' or 'well-being' - means that more than jobs and income are at stake. Success in these rankings is also a matter of national pride, and politicians wishing to prove themselves competent at governing will do all that they can to maintain or improve the standing of the area under their jurisdiction.