Goal Setting Theory Essay

Many issues and problems emerge in organizations that require action by leadership in order to maximize productivity. Because numerous decisions are made on any given day in an attempt for a school or organization to operate as smoothly as possible, constant effort and energy is required to monitor an organization’s culture. A problematic situation in my current organization that is rooted in employee motivation and attitudes is the lack of satisfaction communicated by group members. A year ago, the organization participated in a culture assessment that was conducted by the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA). This audit was ordered by our executive director because of the displeasure and dissatisfaction employees were communicating and displaying while at work. The

The basic premises of the goal-setting theory is the relationship between how difficult and specific a goal is and people’s performance. We live in a goal-oriented society as people usually adhere to specific targets with a plan of action for guidance. Lack of accomplishment of goals leads to job dissatisfaction. Locke’s Goal-Setting Theory from 1968 has been a powerful way of motivating people and is often utilized in whole organizations to increase focus and productivity. The more specific and difficult goals are designed the more likely staff can achieve these goals as opposed to being too vague or easy goals. An organization should consider the five following principles of goal setting: clarity, goal difficulty, goal acceptance, goal specificity and feedback. Organizations that set clear and challenging goals and are open to honest feedback have a greater chance of achieving goals. According to Locke and Latham (2002), goal setting can be useful in predicting job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is an important attribute for employee productivity and commitment to the