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MOTIVATION THEORY
Motivation Theory
School of Business, Liberty University
Author Note
By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work, and not that of
another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand I am responsible for knowing and
correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines.
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MOTIVATION THEORY
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss what goal-setting theory is, how it should be used, when
to recognize it, when it is not effective and when to make changes. The paper also discusses that
goal-setting theory may not be the most effective theory to choose for some employees. The
theory looks at how the concept is not just limited to a workplace setting. Another focus is why
goal-setting is effective. Additionally, this paper addresses the bible and evaluates goal-setting.
Keywords: goal-setting, critical thinking, leaders, implement
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MOTIVATION THEORY
Goal-Setting Theory
Introduction
Goal-Setting Theory can be a productive tool for managers to implement in the
workplace. It can motivate their employees to achieve success on projects or assignments they
didn't think they could. This theory allows the people managers are leading to focus and give all
their energy to a particular task (Liberty University, 2021). It can also open up new experiences
and opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Utilizing the theory of goal-setting for
employees is a skill managers should embrace and use when they can.6
Purpose
The goal-setting theory purpose is to motivate people to "have 'high goals' that are
specific, challenging and achievable" (Clements, & Kamau, 2018, p. 2280). Additionally,
another aspect about the development of the goal-setting theory was to find an explanation about
how employees "are more satisfied with their work, engage not only in performing specific tasks
but also in the context of what they do, thereby contributing to the short and long-term viability
of the organization and whole society" (Zonienė & Valiulė 2019, p. 53). Employees tend to
thrive with the structure that goal-setting theory provides. Employees also "want to live in a full-
fledged relationship, enhance their communities, promote social justice and ecological
wellbeing, and leave the world a better place than they found it" (Zonienė & Valiulė 2019, p.
54). Embracing this thought about goal-setting can be applied not just to the workplace but to
people’s lives.6
When there are goals for employees, they tend to have more drive to perform and use
more critical thinking to achieve set goals. Objectives should be narrowed down in order to
monitor the achievements of those goal and their progress easily. Doing this provides a way to
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MOTIVATION THEORY
make changes to the goals along the way if needed (Clements, & Kamau, 2018). Managers
should be wanting to help those they are leading in order to achieve success in the workplace. If
managers are providing an attainable goal for their employees, they will achieve success. When
managers take notice of the goals that are out of line or not the right path, they have the
opportunity make changes. Furthermore, they are also providing guidance to keep their
employees on the path to success.6
Weaknesses
One of the weaknesses of goal-setting theory is that it is not successful for every person.
One study of the theory in a workplace setting showed regression. They found the behavior of
regression in the "value of employee engagement and goal setting theory" (Shoaib & Kohli,
2017, p. 879). Managers need to adapt and create other ways to ensure their employees are
satisfied and successful in this scenario. Leaders should never assume what they think is the best
way to motivate their employees is the only way–there are other ways to provide motivation.
One other weakness is if the goals are not set correctly, which can make employees feel like they
are failing. The "goal properties of specificity, proximity, and difficulty are of utmost
importance" (Vahidnia & Fatemi, 2015, p. 819).6
Biblical Perspective
When assessing goal-setting from a biblical approach, it is a supported theory in many
places. It should be noted that people should not give up often so their efforts can be rewarded
"But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded" (2 Chronicles 15:7,
New Living Translation). When managers are making plans, they are told that they should be
making those plans with success in mind "May he grant your heart's desires and make all your
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plans succeed" (Psalm 20:4, New Living Translation). Those are two examples of many in the
Bible where God is telling leaders that setting goals should be done.
Conclusion
Goal-setting is a useful theory for managers to know how to implement and make
changes as needed. It is also essential to know and understand when it is not the proper tool for
managers to use. Furthermore, leaders can also see how it can make a difference in people’s lives
outside of the workplace, which can impact how they conduct themselves in the workplace.
Biblically, this theory is shown and supported several times which confirms that goal-setting is
what God wants leaders to implement. Goal-setting is something managers should be using in
their daily work routines.6
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MOTIVATION THEORY
References
Holy bible new living translation. (2021). DaySpring; Candace Cameron Bure
Clements, A. J., & Kamau, C. (2018). Understanding students’ motivation towards proactive
career behaviours through goal-setting theory and the job demands-resources
model.6Studies in Higher Education,643(12), 2279–2293.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2017.1326022
Liberty University. (2021, March 22).6bmal703_Theories of Motivation. Canvas Liberty.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/120270/pages/watch-theories-of-motivation?
module_item_id=12133600.6
Zonienė, A., & Valiulė, V. (2019). Justification of sustainable investment by the management
theories of sustainable goal setting and stakeholder.6Socialiniai Tyrimai,642(2), 52–58.
https://doi.org/10.21277/st.v42i2.272
Shoaib, F., & Kohli, N. (2017). Employee engagement and goal setting theory.6Indian Journal of
Health & Wellbeing,68(8), 877–880.
Vahidnia, F., & Fatemi, A. H. (2015). The advantage of power of goal-setting theory coupled
with the power of choice in Iranian EFL learners’ Writing.6Journal of Language Teaching
& Research,66(4), 818–823. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0604.14
