Locke’s Goal-setting Theory
Locke’s Goal-setting Theory suggests that specific and challenging goals lead to better performance. It argues that clear, measurable objectives, along with regular feedback, enhance motivation and productivity. The theory highlights the importance of goal clarity, commitment, and task complexity in achieving success (Mullins, 2021).
Technique Overview
Locke’s Goal-setting Theory Definition
Locke's Goal Setting Theory, developed by psychologist Edwin Locke in the 1960s, emphasises the importance of setting specific and challenging goals to improve performance. The theory asserts that clear, measurable, and difficult goals lead to higher performance compared to vague or easy goals. (Locke and Latham, 2006; Latham and Pinder, 2005).
Locke’s Goal-setting Theory Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Locke’s Goal-setting Theory *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Locke’s Goal-setting Theory *
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Further Reading
Locke’s Goal-setting Theory web and print resources *
Locke’s Goal-setting Theory references (4 of up to 20) *
- Armstrong, M. (2020). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (15th ed.). Kogan Page.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The" what" and" why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
- Gelfand, M.J., Erez, M. and Aycan, Z., 2007. Cross-cultural organizational behavior. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 58(1), pp.479-514.
- Hitt, M. L., & Ireland, R. D. (2019). Organisational Behaviour: A Contemporary Approach. Pearson Education.
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