We have, over the last few days, examined the reasons why goal-setting the SMART way is a good idea. That said, while goal setting is widely regarded as a powerful motivational tool inside and outside organisations, there are problems when it’s over-prescribed. In other words, too narrow a focus can bring about negative consequences.
Research by Ordóñez et al. (2009) highlighted that when goals are applied without regard for task complexity, ethics, or long-term impacts on people and the environment, negative outcomes are likely to occur. They can distort attention, encourage unethical behaviour, and undermine both individual and organisational well-being. This is why a values-first approach is advisable.
When pursued without caution, goals can narrow focus, promote risk-taking, encourage unethical behaviour, and undermine learning and cooperation. As Ordóñez et al. (2009) argue, goal setting is not a harmless motivational tool—it must be applied selectively and closely monitored to prevent harmful side effects for individuals and organisations. Here’s what the research says.
Narrow Focus
Overly specific goals can cause us to ignore essential but non-goal areas, leading to tunnel vision (e.g., focusing on building a business at the expense of time with your family).
Increased Risk-Taking
Narrow goals can overlook and distort risk, encouraging us to engage in unsafe or unsound decision-making strategies. Non-diversified boardrooms where everyone thinks the same can tend towards dramatic business decisions.
Unethical Behaviour
Pressure to meet goals can lead to cheating, deception, and rationalisation of unethical conduct to achieve outcomes. Consider sales teams that are highly competitive and results-driven - they often make unethical decisions regarding their clients.
Corrosion of Organisational Culture
A goal-driven culture can lead to an “ends justify the means” mentality, promoting competitive individualism and undermining ethical standards and cooperation across the group as a whole.
Inhibited Learning
Specific performance goals may hinder experimentation and adaptability in complex tasks, thereby reducing learning opportunities. There’s no time to be creative, it’s simply about getting it done.
Crowding Out Intrinsic Motivation
Emphasis on extrinsic goals (e.g., rewards or metrics) can reduce engagement driven by interest, curiosity, or enjoyment of the task. People can lose their sense of autonomy and personal influence.
Boredom and Burnout
Uniform goals may be too difficult for some and too easy for others; overly ambitious goals can lead to demotivation and burnout, while easy ones may promote complacency.
Goal Ceiling Effects
Once goals are reached, we may stop exerting effort, viewing goals as performance limits rather than starting points. In other words, obtaining objective ends is sufficient.
Misaligned Time Horizons
A short-term goal focus can lead to underinvestment in long-term development and strategic capabilities (e.g., management cutting R&D to meet quarterly earnings targets).
Reduced Cooperation
Competitive goal structures may discourage teamwork, reduce helping behaviours, and damage group cohesion. You don’t want to be in the bottom 5% in Meta, for example.
Read The Dark Side of Goal Setting for more
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