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^7 Center for Computational Research in Economics and Management Science Effective Goals for Complex Tasks: towards a Broader Conceptualizatioj of Specific-difficult Goals Effective Goals for Complex Tasks: towards a Broader Conceptualization of Specific-difficult Goals —@bullet ^ Effective Goals fo
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Schiro, Susan F. |
| Copyright Year | 2008 |
| Abstract | A key finding of goal theory is that specific-difficult goals, i.e., quantitative goals which are challenging to the individual, lead to improved performance. However, recent research suggests that these goals are ineffective for highly complex tasks such as managerial jobs. This paper argues that if a broader conceptualization of specific-difficult goals is adopted, then specific-difficult goals will be seen to improve the performance of complex tasks. Difficult quantitative goals improve task performance by providing a precise definition of the desired outcome; the individual therefore considers only a few strategies for dealing with the situation. When the assigned task is of low to moderate complexity, this leads to improved performance. On a highly complex task, however, such a goal leads to the selection of an inferior action plan and, therefore, to reduced performance. A highly complex task requires the individual to consider the relative importance of various goals and to choose the best strategy for achieving the selected goal or goals. Consequently, an effective goal for such tasks will both provide a precise definition of the desired outcome and encourage the individual to consider a broad variety of action plans. This paper proposes that a goal system is an effective type of specific-difficult goal for a highly complex task. A goal system is a goal hierarchy which includes both a superordinate goal (or goals) and subgoals. The superordinate goal defines the individual's primary objective(s). Subgoals may specify particularly desirable features of the superordinate goal, identify several steps towards the superordinate goal as separate goals, or describe other desirable but less critical goals. Thus, subgoals increase the specificity with which the superordinate goal is defined thereby increasing the individual's goal comprehension. The superordinate goal identifies non-optional goals while subgoals are presented as optional objectives. Because the subgoals are presented as optional goals, the individual is more likely to consider a broad variety of action plans. The superordinate goal then serves as a template against which the possible strategies can be evaluated. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/47659/effectivegoalsfo00schi.pdf?sequence=1 |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
