Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory

Question 1

What is the definition of Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory?

Answer 1

The Goal Setting Theory is a motivation theory that states that employees are motivated by clearly defined goals that fulfil five key principles.

Question 2

What are the 5 Key principles and describe them?

Answer 2

Clarity
- Goals should be specific and easy to measure.

• Employees should be able to clearly understand what is expected of them.

Commitment
- Employees should be involved in setting their goals.

• Goals should incorporate the personal interests of employees.

Challenge
- The goal should be difficult enough to encourage employees to improve in order to achieve it.

Task Complexity
- The goal should not overwhelm employees and should be achievable.

• Employees should receive adequate training and time to achieve their goals.

Feedback
- Managers should provide regular support to employees and adjust goals as needed.

• Managers should constantly monitor the progress of employees to keep them on track, clarify misunderstandings, and encourage them to achieve their goals.

Question 3

What is the Five-Step process of implementing the Goal Setting Theory?

Answer 3

1. • Employee discusses their personal goals with manager.

• Manager aligns employee goals with business objectives.

2. • Manager and employee set a clear, achievable goal together.

• The goals should be challenging and complex.

3. • Manager regularly checks employee progress and provides support.
4. • Manager celebrates and rewards the employee for reaching a goal.
5. • Manager and employee set a new, more difficult goal together

Question 4

What are the 3 advantages of the Goal Setting Theory?

Answer 4

• Goals that align employee goals with achieving business objectives are likely to improve business performance.
• Employees may be more motivated to complete tasks if work goals align with their personal interests.
• When employee goals align with business objectives, they can contribute to a business’s
  financial aims, such as increasing sales and net profit.

Question 5

What are the 3 disadvantages of the Goal Setting Theory?

Answer 5

• It may be difficult for a manager to always align an employee’s
  personal goals with business objectives.
• Employees may become stressed and demotivated if they have too many goals at once.
• The process of setting goals and providing feedback to each
  employee can be time-consuming for management.