ABSTRACT
Locke and Latham provide a well-developed goal-setting theory of motivation. The
theory emphasizes the important relationship between goals and performance. Research
supports predictions that the most effective performance seems to result when goals are
specific and challenging, when they are used to evaluate performance and linked to
feedback on results, and create commitment and acceptance. The motivational impact of
goals may be affected by moderators such as ability and self-efficacy. Deadlines improve
the effectiveness of goals. A learning goal orientation leads to higher performance than a performance goal orientation, and group goal-setting is as important as individual goalsetting.