Goal Theory of Latham and Locke essays

Goal Theory of Latham and Locke essays Any discussion of goal theory would have to note the work of Latham and Locke, Abraham Maslow and Alderfer at least, along with other theories that are useful in management. Latham and Locke noted that motivation and performance are higher when individuals set specific goals, and also, that those goals must be difficult but acceptable to the person accepting them. Latham and Locke noted, also, that there must be feedback on performance, but that as long as they are accepted, demanding goals lead to better performance than easy ones. (The Manager Web site) Maslow's famous hierarchy of needs also has significant impact on the area of setting goals. The needs he identified were, from lower to higher: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-fulfillment. When a lower- order need had been fulfilled, he thought, then the next higher order would become dominant. (The Manager Web site) In other words, if a person is fighting for survival, literally, then goals will concern food and shelter. If those needs are met, then the goals will concern obtaining not just any haven, but a safe haven, and on up the ladder. In management, if a person's need for an income is met, then the next goal might be for pleasant working conditions, and when those are met, then perhaps the goal would be to be accepted by one's colleagues, and so on. Maslow also thought that the highest order needs provide the greatest motivation: I would agree with that, assuming the basic survivalor in the case of the workplace, incomeneeds have been met. Alderfer's ERG Theory was about subjective state of satisfaction and desire and is similar to Maslow's hierarchy. Alderfer put all human needs into three categories: existence needs, relatedness needs, and growth needs. (The Manager Web site) His first category corresponds to Maslow's physiological and safety...