Goals and Objectives
Any differences between your current situation and the future aspiration state
can be though of as a deficiency or gap. Objectives and goals are how we
eliminate this gap. Some writers distinguish between goals (that are inexactly
formulated and lack specificity) and objectives (which are exactly and
quantitatively formulated as to time frame and magnitude of effect). For
example, a goal might be ambiguously stated as "I want to get lucky tonight".
Converting this into an objective, it becomes "I want to make $100 at the
BlackJack table by 8 o’clock tonight. Not all authors make this distinction,
preferring to use the two terms interchangeably. When goals are used in the
financial arena, they are often called targets.
People typically have several goals at the same time. Goal congruency refers to
how well the goals combine with each other. Is one goal incompatible with
another? Do they fit together to form a unified strategy. Goal hierarchy is the
nesting of one goal into another. It is best to have short-term goals, medium
term goals, and long-term goals. The short-term goals are fairly easy to attain,
just slightly above your reach. At the other extreme, long-term goals are very
difficult, almost impossible. Goal sequencing refers to using one goal as a
stepping-stone to the next. You start by attaining the easy short-term goals,
them step up to the medium, then long-term goals. Goal sequencing can create
a "goal stairway".
In an organizational setting, goals must be coordinated so that they do not
conflict. The goals of one part of the organization must be compatible with other
parts of the organization. Individuals within organizations will typically have
personal goals. These must also be compatible with the overall goals of the
organization.