Skip to main content

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems ((LNE,volume 294))

Abstract

Problems of effective goal setting can be formulated into complex multiple criteria optimal control systems in which the control variables are (i) selecting measurable goal functions, (ii) setting goal achievement levels and (iii) determining effective supportive systems; and the objectives are (I) to maximize the attention time allocation to the work assigned and (II) to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness (or ability) of work performance. Utilizing the concepts of human behavior mechanism and habitual domains, we offer a general principle of effective goal setting as to select control variables which can create favorable working conditions and relative high levels of charges and confidence on the performers so that they can allocate as much time as possible to perform the desired job-related operations in a most efficient and effective way. We give a detailed discussion of the applications of this principle over various classes of problems. Some empirically known results on goal setting, which in general are consistent with and can be explained by the principles, are also sketched.

This research has been supported by NSF of Q.S.A. Grant No. IST-8418863.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Bryan, J. F., and Locke, E. A. “Goal Setting As A Means Of Increasing Motivation,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1967, 51, PP. 274–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Chan, S. J., and Yu, P. L., “Stable Habitual Domains: Existence and Implications,” Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, Vol. 110, No. 2, 1985, PP. 469–482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Cummings, L. L., Schwab, D. P., and Rosen, M., “Performance and Knowledge Of Results As Determinants Of Goal Setting,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1971, 55, PP. 526–530.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Dossett, D. L., Latham, G. P., and Mitchell, T. R., “Effects of Assigned Versus Participatively Set Goals, Knowledge of Results, and Individual Differences on Employee Behavior When Goal Difficulty Is Held Constant,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1979, 64, PP. 291–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Erez, M. and Zidon, I., “Effects of Goal Acceptance on the Relationship of Goal Difficulty to Performance,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1984, 69, PP. 69–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Ivancevich, J. M., “A Longitudianl Assessment of Management by Objectives,” Administrative Science Quarterly, 1972, 17, PP. 126–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ivancevich, J. M., “Changes in Performance in a Management by Objectives Program, Administrative Science Quarterly, 1974, 19, PP. 563–574.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ivancevich, J. M., “Effects of Goal Setting on Performance and Job Satisfaction,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1976, 61, PP. 605–612.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Locke, E. A., “Motivational Effects of Knowledge of Results: Knowledge or Goal Setting,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1967, 51, PP. 324–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Locke, E. A., and Bryan, J. F., “The Effects of Goal-Setting, Rule-Learn- ing, and Knowledge of Score on Performance,” American Journal of Psychology, 1966, 79, PP. 451–457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Locke, E. A., Frederick, E., and Bobko, P., “Effect of Self-Efficacy, Goals, and Task Strategies on Task Performance,”Journal of Aplied Psychology, 1984, 69, PP. 241–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Locke, E. A., Shaw, K. N., Saari, L. M., and Latham, G. R., “Goal Setting and Task Performance: 1969–1980.,” Psychological Bulletin, 1981, 90, PP. 125–152.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Mackenzie, K. D., Organizational Design, the Organizational Audit and Analysis Technology, Ablex Publishing Cor.Norwood, New Jersey, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Miner, J. B., Theories of Organizational Behavior, The Dryden Press, Hinsdale, Illinois, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Ronan, W. W., and Latham, G. P., “Effects of Goal Setting and Supervision on Worker Behavior in an Industrial Situation,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1973, 58, 302–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Terborg, J. R. “The Motivational Components of Goal Setting,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 1976, 61, PP. 613–621.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Yu, P. L., “Behavior Bases and Habitual Domains of Human Decision/-Behavior - An Integration of Psychology, Optimization Theory and Common Wisdom,” International Journal of Systems, Measurement and Decisions, 1981, 1, PP. 39–62.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Yu, P. L. ’Multiple Criteria Decision Making: Concepts, Techniques and Extensions, Plenum, New York, New York, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Yu, P. L., Behavior Mechanism and strategical Decisions, the Foundation and Applications of Knowing Yourself and Others, Academic Sinica Press, Institute of Economics, Taipei, Taiwan, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Yu, P. L., and Huang, S. D., Behavior Bases and Habitual Domain Analysis - Theory and Applications, (to be published).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Zeleny, M., Multiple Criteria Decision Making, McGraw Hill, New York, New York, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1987 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Yu, P.L., Chien, I.S. (1987). Foundation of Effective Goal Setting. In: Jahn, J., Krabs, W. (eds) Recent Advances and Historical Development of Vector Optimization. Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, vol 294. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-46618-2_22

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-46618-2_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-18215-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-46618-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics