Goal-setting theory is a theory of motivation, developed principally by Edwin Locke and later refined with Gary Latham, that holds specific and challenging goals, when accepted by the individual, lead to higher performance than vague or easy goals. Decades of research summarized by Locke and Latham identified core moderators of the goal-performance relationship, including feedback on progress, the individual's commitment to the goal, the goal's difficulty relative to the person's ability, and task complexity. The theory has been widely applied in management practice through goal-setting and performance-management systems that translate its principles into structured target-setting for employees.
Facts
Core ClaimGoal-setting theory holds that specific and difficult goals, when accepted, lead to higher performance than vague or easy goals. 1 Classification
Topic (Functional Area) Connections
Associated With
Both are cognitive process theories of motivation frequently taught together in organizational behavior.
Source Wikipedia, Expectancy Theory
Locke goal-setting theory is the documented psychological basis cited for Drucker Management by Objectives practice.
Developed By
Source Wikipedia, Goal-Setting Theory
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Psychology Atlas: Edwin Locke, developed by there.
Sources
1. Wikipedia, Goal-Setting Theory
WikipediaWikipedia, Goal setting lead section
Difficult specific goals lead to significantly higher performance than easy goals, no goals, or even the setting of an abstract goal such as urging people to do their best.
Wikipedia, Goal setting History section
Locke developed and refined his goal-setting theory in the 1960s, publishing his first article on the subject, "Toward a Theory of Task Motivation and Incentives", in 1968.
Introduction, functional area topic classification
Goal setting involves the development of an action plan designed in order to motivate and guide a person or group toward a goal.
Developed By: Edwin A. Locke, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal-setting_theory, lead section
Studies by Edwin A. Locke and his colleagues, most notably, Gary Latham have shown that more specific and ambitious goals lead to more performance improvement than easy or general goals.
View the Source Wikipedia, Expectancy Theory
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.