Goals vs Objectives
Goals and Objectives: SMART Matrix
The words Goal and Objective are often confused with each other. They both describe things that an organization may want to achieve or attain but in relative terms may mean different things.
Definitions
Goals and objectives describe what the program/project is striving to accomplish. Goals depict the general programmatic outcomes, while objectives specify more specific outcomes. It is common to have several objectives for each program/project goal.
A goal is defined as 1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed. 2. The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end
An objective has a similar definition but is supposed to be a clear and measurable target.
Attributes of goals vs. objectives
Differences in scope
Goals are broader than 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 be intangible while objectives ought to be tangible. 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.
SMART / SMARTER is a mnemonic used to set objectives, often called Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for example for project management, employee performance management and personal development. The letters broadly
The words Goal and Objective are often confused with each other. They both describe things that an organization may want to achieve or attain but in relative terms may mean different things.
Definitions
Goals and objectives describe what the program/project is striving to accomplish. Goals depict the general programmatic outcomes, while objectives specify more specific outcomes. It is common to have several objectives for each program/project goal.
A goal is defined as 1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed. 2. The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end
An objective has a similar definition but is supposed to be a clear and measurable target.
Attributes of goals vs. objectives
Differences in scope
Goals are broader than 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 be intangible while objectives ought to be tangible. 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.
SMART / SMARTER is a mnemonic used to set objectives, often called Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for example for project management, employee performance management and personal development. The letters broadly