ABSTRACT
An effective goal focuses primarily on results rather than activity. The nature of goal-oriented behavior will be explored first, followed by a review of the theoretical nature of goals, and espoused goals versus goals in practice. There are also many aspects of strategic planning and goal setting that must be inspected for the true degree to which they achieve rationality. The entire process of setting goals and working to achieve them is filled to overflowing with illogic and, indeed, unconscious and irrational dynamics. Goal-oriented behavior and goal setting encompass what is, without a doubt, a more complex topic than just saying the word or setting a few goals. The workplace contains a broad spectrum of irrationality that makes the best laid plans at times almost irrelevant. A discussion of strategic planning as it relates to goal setting and achievement in the workplace is in order. The chapter has confronted the problematic nature of the setting and accomplishment of goals.
