goals vs objective

8/13/2019 Goals vs Objective

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ThewordsGoal and Objective are often confused with each other. They both

describe things that a person may want to achieve or attain but in relative terms

may mean different things. Both are desired outcomes of work done by a person but

what sets them apart is the time frame, attributesthey'reset for and theeffectthey

inflict.

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Goal Objective

Meaning

The purpose toward which an endeavor

is directed.

Something that one's efforts or actions are

intended to attain or accomplish; purpose;target.

Example

I want to achieve success in the field of

genetic research and do what no onehas ever done.

I want to complete this thesis on genetic

research by the end of this month.

ActionGeneric action, or better still, anoutcome towards which we strive.

Specific action - the objective supportsattainment of the associated goal.

MeasureGoals may not be strictly measurable

or tangible.

Must be measurable and tangible.

Time frame Longer term Mid to short term

Contents

1 Definitions2 Attributes of goals vs. objectives

o 2.1 Differences in scopeo 2.2 Specificityo 2.3 Tangibilityo 2.4 Differences in time frameo 2.5 Measuring goals and objectives

3 Examples4 Video explaining the differences

5 References

Definitions

Both terms imply the target that one's efforts is desired to accomplish. Goals are

generically for an achievement or accomplishment for which certain efforts are put.

Objectives are specific targets within the general goal. Objectives are time-related to

achieve a certaintask.

A goalis defined as

1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.
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2. The result or achievement toward which effort is directed or aimed.An objectivehas a similar definition but is supposed to be a clear and measurable

target.

Attributes of goals vs. objectivesDifferences in scope

Goals are broaderthan objectives in the sense that goals are general intentions and

are not specific enough to be measured. Objectives are narrow and are set for

certain tasks in particular.

Specificity

Goals are general while objectives are specific. Goals are just general intentions

towards the attainment of something while objectives are precise actions for

accomplishment of a specific task.

Tangibility

Goals may beintangiblewhile objectives ought to betangible.Goals may be directed

at achieving non-measurable things while objectives may be targeted at getting

measurable things or tasks.

Differences in time frame

Both have a certain time frame. Goals usually have a longer time-frame than

objectives. Objectives are usually precise targets set for a short term. Goals may be

set for a longer term but many objectives may be set within that goal.

Measuring goals and objectives

Goals may or may not be measured but in most cases objectives are measurable.

Examples

"I want to achieve success in the field of genetic research and do what no one has

ever done."This is a goal. "I want to complete the thesis on genetic research within

this month."This is an objective.

summarize theirgoals and objectivesin Mission and Vision statements. Both these things

serve different purposes for the company but are often confused with each other. While a

mission statement describes what the company wants now, the vision statement describeswhat the company wants to be in the future.

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Mission Statement Vision Statement

About

A Mission statement talks about HOW

you will get to where you want to be.

Defines the purpose and primaryobjectives related to your customer needsand team values.

A Vision statement outlines WHERE

you want to be. Communicates both

the purpose and values of yourbusiness.

AnswerIt answers the question, What do we do?

What makes us different?It answers the question, Where do we

aim to be?

TimeA mission statement talks about the

present leading to its future.

A vision statement talks about your

future.

Function

It lists the broad goals for which the

organization is formed. Its prime function

is internal, to define the key measure or

measures of the organization's successand its prime audience is the leadership

team and stockholders.

It lists where you see yourself some

years from now. It inspires you to give

your best. It shapes your understanding

of why you are working here.

Change

Your mission statement may change, butit should still tie back to your core values,customer needs and vision.

As your organization evolves, youmight feel tempted to change yourvision. However, mission or vision

statements explain your organization's

foundation, so change should be keptto a minimum.

Developing a

statement

What do we do today? For whom do wedo it? What is the benefit? In other words,

Why we do what we do? What, ForWhom and Why?

Where do we want to be goingforward? When do we want to reach

that stage? How do we want to do it?

Features of

an effective

statement

Purpose and values of the organization:Who are the organization's primary"clients" (stakeholders)? What are the

responsibilities of the organization

towards the clients?

Clarity and lack of ambiguity:Describing a bright future (hope);Memorable and engaging expression;

realistic aspirations, achievable;

alignment with organizational valuesand culture.

Contents

1 About2 Purpose

3 Features

4 Time frame

5 Developing a statement6 Which comes first?

7 Video explaining the differences

8 References
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Vision Statement of the Toronto Zoo

About

A Mission statement talks about what the company is now. It concentrates on

present; it defines the customer(s), critical processes and it informs you about the

desired level of performance.

A Vision statement outlines what a company wants to be. It concentrates on the

future; it is a source of inspiration; it provides clear decision-making criteria.

Purpose

A mission statement is spelled out to narrate what the organization is about. It talks

about what the company is right now. It lists the broad goals for which the companyis formed. It discusses in details what the company does, what the structure is and

whatits plans are. A vision statement talks about what the company wants to be. It

describes what the "vision" of the company is for its future. It lists where the

company sees itself some years from now.

Features

Features of aneffectivevision statement include:

Clarity and lack of ambiguity Paint a vivid and clear picture, not ambiguous Describing a bright future (hope) Memorable and engaging expression Realistic aspirations, achievable Alignment with organizational values andculture Time bound if it talks of achieving any goal or objective
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Features of an effective mission statement are:

Purpose and values of the organization Whatbusiness the organization wants to be in (products or services, market) or who

are the organization's primary "clients" (stakeholders)

What are the responsibilities of the organization towards these "clients" What are the main objectives that support the company in accomplishing its

mission

This Slideshare presentation includes the vision and mission statements of

companies in the Fortune 100:

Visions & Missions of Fortune Global 100byAlar Kolk

Time frame

While a mission statement talks about the present, the vision statement talks about

the future. The former mentions what the company is now while the latter describes

what the company wants to become in the future. A vision statement mentions what

the future will look like for the company if it follows the mission statement.

Developing a statement

When developing a mission statement, it should be seen that the following

questions are answered:

What do we do today? For whom do we do it? What is the benefit?

When developing avision statement, it should be seen that the following

questions are answered:

What do we want to do going forward? When do we want to do it? How do we want to do it?

Which comes first?

For a new start up business, new program or plan to re-engineer your current

services, the vision statement will be formulated first as it will guide the mission

statement and the rest of thestrategic plan.
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For an established business where the mission is established, often the mission

guides the vision statement and the rest of the strategic plan for the future.

goals vs objective

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