Literature Review on Goal-Setting Theory

Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature Review
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................1
2. Research Questions................................................................................................................1
3. Analysis of Significance of Goal-Setting Approach..............................................................2
4 Concepts and Theories Related to Goal-Setting.................................................................4
4.1 Theory of Goal Setting Developed by Locke and Latham’s............................................4
4.2 Process Based Theories....................................................................................................6
5. High-Performance Cycle in Goal Setting Theory..................................................................7
6. Elements of the Goal-Setting Theory.....................................................................................8
6.1 Commitment towards Achieving the Goals.....................................................................8
6.2 Specificity of the Goals....................................................................................................9
6.3 Difficulty in Achieving Goals..........................................................................................9
6.4 Feedback Relating to Goals...........................................................................................10
6.5 Theoretical Framework..................................................................................................11
7. Conclusion............................................................................................................................11
References................................................................................................................................13

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LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Introduction
In the modern and ever-changing business environment, proper maintenance of the
well-motivated employees helps in attaining the different organizational goals along with
different objectives. The motivated type of workforce will be remaining productive, increase
the organizational performance which will ultimately contribute to the attainment of the
satisfaction of the different stakeholders. Furthermore, to enhance performance, the different
companies set organizational and individual goals.
These are the goals among others which reinforces the overall performance along with
triggering job satisfaction among employees and it will enhance the commitment of the
different employees towards the organization. The main aim and purpose of the literature
review are to examine the different approaches of the goal setting theory that will identify the
degree of organizational commitment among the employees. The other focus of the literature
review is on analyzing the theoretical models as well as concepts based on goal-setting theory
within the companies which will be setting a baseline of the plan to take decisions effectively.
2. Research Questions
 Explain the role of the models of goal-setting in managing the performance of the
organization in an appropriate manner
 What is the role of goal-setting theory in motivating the different employees in the
organizations?
 Explain and analyze the different goal-setting theories which are followed by the
companies?

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LITERATURE REVIEW
3. Analysis of Significance of Goal-Setting Approach
As commented by Beal (2017), one of the essential management theories is goal
setting theory wherein it is utilized in the setting of the business which will be beneficial in
creating the different incentives for the different employees to complete the different tasks
more efficiently. Furthermore, Berson et al., (2015), have opined that the different goals have
a prevalent influence on the behavior of the different employees as well as organizational
along with management performance. Moreover, there are different organizations wherein
each new organization has different forms of goal setting operation in operation.
As opined by Burns, Martin and Collie (2018), the different programs such as
management by objectives, management information system along with benchmarking are
the strategic planning which will be inclusive of the development of the different specific
goals. Besides, as commented by Clements and Kamau (2018), there are different companies
along with the managers who will be creating different kinds of incentives which will be
beneficial in improving the morale of the employees and it will improve the overall
productivity of the company. The goals should be specific rather than being general as it will
assist the different individuals in understanding the processes which are involved in helping
to achieve the goals successfully.
As stated by Downes et al., (2017), employee motivation is the crucial task for the
upper-level management team as it will be beneficial in managing the different activities of
the company appropriately. When the management of the companies wants the employees to
perform appropriately, it is essential for them to motivate them which will be generating
positive results and making employees proactive in their approach. It has been identified that
the goal-setting theory in the company can lead to an increase in the motivation among
employees as it is the most powerful weapon which will be beneficial in motivating
employees. Moreover, as opined by Erez (2015), the goal-setting theory is the technique