Critically examine goal setting theory for its effective application in the light of relevant literature

GOAL-SETTING THEORY AND ITS EFFECTIVE APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION

Motivation is an integral part of developmental process , whether it be in an academic , industrial , or professional environment . In a professional setting where company managers deal with employees motivation is not just part of learning process , it is also a vital element of organizational development

This only means that if the managers set a particular agenda or target for their company to achieve , they have to look at their people as an indispensable element of this organizational goal or objective . In other words

, motivation speaks of soft skills - or of the people who compose of a particular business organization . The vital role of the managers now is to effectively relay the goals and objectives of the organizations to their employees through motivational processes . This is because it is essentially the employees who would later carry on the goals and bring the same to fulfillment

Thus , it is highly necessary for organizational managers to have a better and clearer comprehension of the function of work motivation which is vastly essential in setting the goals of the organization . For this purpose , there is a need to look at the symbiotic bond between motivation and goal-setting and its role in ensuring organizational success

The Goal-Setting Theory

Goal-setting theory has vast and vital impacts on the aspect of human motivation . It is , in fact , a potent strategy in motivating individuals particularly those in the actual business setting . In a particular business organization , the value of goal-setting cannot be discounted or disregarded . Its indispensable value stems from the fact that it has symbiotic relationship with motivation , thus organizational managers in focusing on their people need to set a clear , specific , feasible , and attainable goal

Similar to the theory of motivation , goal-setting theory also focuses on individuals - potentials , skills , and innovativeness . There is a need to stress the symbiotic connection between motivation and goal-setting this is because one can hardly function without the other . Without motivating organizational members , the company cannot set a lucid specific , clear , and functional goal . The value of goal-setting stems from the fact that it serves as a necessary fuel in providing indispensable impetus for the different organizational forces , such as the managers , executives , and employees . This is in line with the idea that without any set goal at all , an organizational cannot function well , and the spirit of motivation will cease to exist . Thus , to attain organizational development , managers have to set lucid , specific , and feasible goals , which will in turn serve as the basis in motivating the employees in to attain such planned goals

PRESENTATION OF CRITICAL LITERATURE

There have been a lot of studies conducted on the importance and significance of goals and /or goal-setting in an organizational situation . Most of these previous important studies and researches draw the binding relation between goal-setting and motivation - the first being the motive power of organizational focus and the second being the means to directing such organizational focus . The pivotal magnitude of goals in...