With Xactly’s Management by Objectives (MBO) software, drive performance and revenue by aligning employee behaviors to company goals with our employee performance management software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is management by objectives?
Management by Objectives (MBO) is a strategic management model that aims to improve organizational performance by clearly defining objectives that are agreed upon by both management and employees. First popularized by Peter Drucker in 1954, it focuses on results rather than activities. The core idea is that by involving employees in setting their own goals, they become more motivated and committed to achieving the company’s broader mission.
What are purposes of management by objectives?
The primary purposes of MBO are to align individual effort with organizational strategy and to foster a culture of accountability. Key objectives include:
Goal Alignment: Ensuring every employee’s work contributes directly to the company's top-level goals.
Motivation and Engagement: Boosting morale by involving employees in the decision-making process for their own targets.
Performance Clarity: Providing clear, measurable standards so employees know exactly what is expected of them.
Communication: Facilitating regular, structured dialogue between managers and subordinates regarding progress and resources.
Objective Evaluation: Establishing a fair basis for performance reviews and rewards based on tangible results rather than subjective opinions.
What are the 4 steps of Management by Objectives?
While some models use five or six steps, the MBO process is most commonly distilled into these four core stages:
Define Organizational Objectives: Leadership establishes clear, strategic goals for the entire company (e.g., increasing revenue by 15%).
Translate to Individual Goals (Cascading): Managers and employees collaborate to set specific, measurable, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the individual that support the company's goals.
Monitor Performance and Progress: Throughout the cycle, managers and employees regularly check in to track progress, solve problems, and adjust plans if necessary.
At the end of the period, performance is formally assessed against the original objectives. Success is recognized through rewards, feedback, or promotions, and the cycle begins again.