Goal Setting for Managers
Abstract
The goal of this study is to first present a detailed description of my experience as an
Assistant Manager over the summer of 2011 with Cranbrook Swim Club and two, to
connect my experiences to a thoroughly researched connections essay on goal
setting theory. The connections essay present significant theoretical additions made
by theorists to goal setting theory and their importance to the effectiveness of goal
achievement. It argues that if it were not for these additions, goal setting theory
would not be as effective a strategy for users as it is to date. Specifically, the four
most important additions to goal setting theory are: goal commitment, goal choice,
feedback and learning goals. After beginning with arguments for the importance
and usefulness of goal setting theory, this study then delves into Edwin Locke's
initial arguments from Toward a Theory of Task Motivation and Incentives, largely
credited with the foundation from which goal setting theory was created. Each of
the four significant additions to goal setting theory are then presented using both
cited works and arguments made from leading authors in the field. Examples are
given to illustrate how goal setting theory relates to my summer experience as
assistant manager .