M7 Category

Although goal setting can cause anxiety as mentioned in the reading on page 234 of the book, this anxiety can also lead people to work harder for what they want. We are told all throughout our life that you have to set goals, that you have to reach those goals. To me personally reaching those goals is what got me to where I am today. In high school my goal was to graduate with a 4.0 and with that goal being set I was able to not only accomplish that but I was able to gain more experiences and future job opportunities. The importance of goal setting can be the difference between taking that extra step and just letting things slide that you would not normally if you had those goals set ahead of time. These goals will push people to reach for things that they would normally not have been reached. Goals have personally helped me reach for things I would not normally have. For instance, I am an enlisted member, but my goal is to commission as soon as I get my BA, setting this goal has made me work hard for what I want, has encouraged me to take more classes to knock things out more quickly.

This week we are studying Motivation Concepts. As you have read, there are a lot of theories written on the subject. The most cited early theory is probably Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.   Some of the more contemporary theories of motivation include Self-Efficacy Theory, Reinforcement Theory, Equity Theory, Expectancy Theory and the Goal-Setting Theory.   This discussion focuses on the Goal-Setting Theory.

On page 234 in the text, read the Point and Counterpoint argument for “Goals Get You to Where You Want to Be.”   After reading both sides (Point and Counterpoint), answer the following questions.   Then log back in after Wednesday to reply to one of your classmates.

“To Goal or Not to Goal,” that is the question. Which point do you believe is more effective in motivating employees?   Why?   Provide one example to support your position.