Downsides of Goal Setting Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is one cognitive risk of focusing too narrowly on a specific goal?
It can lead to tunnel vision, where individuals ignore important but unrelated information.
How can goal setting sometimes encourage unethical behaviour?
High-pressure goals may lead people to cheat, cut corners, or misreport progress to achieve them.
In what way can goal setting reduce intrinsic motivation?
When goals are externally imposed or controlling, they can undermine enjoyment and internal interest in the task.
What happens when someone pursues multiple conflicting goals?
It can create stress, confusion, and inefficiency due to competing demands on time and energy.
How can goal setting lead to a short-term focus?
People may prioritise immediate results over long-term development or sustainability.
Why might focusing only on outcomes be a problem in goal setting?
It can increase anxiety, reduce learning focus, and make failure feel more threatening.
What is a risk of being too rigid with goals?
It can prevent necessary adaptation when circumstances change or new opportunities arise.
How can unrealistic or overly ambitious goals affect well-being?
They can lead to disappointment, reduced self-esteem, and burnout if not achieved.
Does goal setting always lead to increased productivity?
No, goal setting may not increase productivity for certain complex or creative tasks.
What is a potential negative outcome of goal setting in some contexts?
It can be associated with unethical behaviour, such as overstating achievements.
How have reward-linked goals contributed to organisational scandals?
In corporate settings, reward-based goals have sometimes been linked to unethical practices and scandals.
What behaviour is more likely when specific goals are unmet?
People are more likely to behave unethically, such as exaggerating their achievements.
What might people do if they narrowly miss achieving a goal?
They are more likely to falsely claim they reached the goal.
What happens when someone pursues a goal that conflicts with their personal values or feelings?
Non-concordant goals, such as staying in a disliked job, can lead to decreased well-being.
