Locke and Latham's Goal Setting Theory

Question 1

What is the goal setting theory?

Answer 1

The idea that employees are motivated by clear goals and appropriate feedback. It states that specific and difficult goals led to better task performance rather than vague and easy goals.
Five principles of goal setting…
-Clarity
-Challenge
-Commitment
-Feedback
-Task Complexity

Question 2

Clarity

Answer 2

When a goal is clear and specific, with a definite time for completion, there will be less misunderstanding.

Question 3

Challenge

Answer 3

People are often motivated by achievement , therefore they’ll judge a goal based on the significance of the accomplishment.

Question 4

Commitment

Answer 4

Goals must be understood and agreed upon if they are to be effective. Employees are more likely to buy into a goal if they feel like they were part of creating the goal.

Question 5

Feedback

Answer 5

An effective goal program must include feedback. Feedback provides opportunities to clarify expectations, adjust the difficulty and gain recognition.

Question 6

Task complexity

Answer 6

For goals or assignments that are highly complex, take special care to ensure that the work doesn’t become too overwhelming.

Question 7

Strengths of the goal setting theory

Answer 7

-Very focused and individual specific.
-Improves trust and relationships between employees and managers.
-Easy to assess whether the goals been achieved.

Question 8

Limitations of the goal setting theory

Answer 8

-It could be time-consuming to individually set goals and provide feedback in a large business.
-It can sometimes be hard to align business and personal objectives.