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 .