The full form of MBO is Management by Objectives. MBO is a strategic approach to management that emphasizes setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for employees and then aligning their activities with those goals. MBO was first introduced by Peter Drucker in his 1954 book, The Practice of Management, and has since become a popular management technique in organizations around the world.
The MBO process typically involves the following steps:
Goal setting: The manager and employee work together to set specific and measurable goals that are aligned with the organization's overall strategy.
Planning: The employee develops an action plan for achieving the goals and identifies the resources needed.
Implementation: The employee carries out the plan and completes the necessary tasks to achieve the goals
Evaluation: The manager and employee meet regularly to review progress toward the goals and make any necessary adjustments to the action plan.
Feedback: The manager provides regular feedback to the employee on their performance and progress toward the goals.
It encourages employees to take ownership of their work and focus on achieving specific outcomes. By setting goals that are aligned with the organization's strategy, employees can see how their work contributes to the overall success of the company. Additionally, MBO provides a clear framework for performance evaluation and feedback, which can help improve employee motivation and productivity.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to MBO. For example, the process can be time-consuming and may require significant resources to implement effectively. Additionally, if goals are not set appropriately or if employees do not have the necessary resources to achieve them, the MBO process can lead to frustration and demotivation.
In conclusion, Management by Objectives is a powerful tool for aligning employee activities with an organization's strategic goals. It provides a clear framework for setting goals, developing action plans, and evaluating performance, which can help improve employee motivation and productivity. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks of MBO and ensure that the process is implemented effectively to avoid negative consequences.
Traditional performance management typically involves setting annual performance goals and conducting a formal review at the end of the year. MBO, on the other hand, emphasizes ongoing goal setting, regular feedback, and continuous improvement.
In the MBO process, the manager and employee work together to set goals that are aligned with the organization's overall strategy.
MBO can be used in a variety of organizations, but it may be most effective in organizations that have clearly defined strategic goals and a focus on performance.
To ensure that the MBO process is implemented effectively, organizations should provide training to managers and employees, set clear guidelines for goal setting and evaluation, and provide the necessary resources to achieve the goals.
There are several alternatives to MBO, including management by exception (MBE), balanced scorecard, and total quality management (TQM). Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, and organizations should carefully consider their specific needs and goals before choosing a management technique.