Criticism on Management by Objective (MBO) Approach - Essay Example

Criticism on Management by Objective (MBO) Approach MBO technique is a management approach that enables managers and employees to coordinate personal goals in line with the organizational objectives. As such, formulation of goals and planning start from the top management and flow down the organizational hierarchy. However, the technique has been criticized for emphasizing on goals without providing means of achievement. In this regard, the following discussion provides an explanation of the flaws within the MBO technique.

One of the major flaws within the MBO technique is the failure to address motivational factors effectively. Although the MBO approach allows the managers and subordinates to align their short-term goals with organizational objective, individual motivational components are not adequately addressed. According to Levinson, the MBO technique fails to incorporate emotional components of motivation into the system hence creating more pressure in the employees (1). In particular, employees are not emotionally motivated in achieving the set goals and hence the development of conflict between the managers and subordinates.

MBO technique does not provide means of achieving the set objectives. Ideally, in the MBO technique, the managers and subordinates formulate timely and measurable objectives within the organization (University of San Francisco 4). However, in this technique, the required sets of behavior in order to achieve set objectives are not stipulate. This causes confusion and challenge to the employees, especially the one who are not accustomed to the organizational process. In conclusion, the MBO technique has been criticized because of several flaws within the system.

It is clear from the above discussion that failure to provide behavioral means of achieving objectives and lack of emotional motivation form the basis of criticism for the technique. Therefore, manager using this approach should try to incorporate the discussed aspects in order to get good outcome. Works Cited Levinson, Harry. “Management by Whose Objectives?” Harvard Business Review, Jan. 2003. Web. 19 Feb. < https://hbr.org/2003/01/management-by-whose-objectives >. University of San Francisco.

A New Approach to MBO: Updating a Time-Honored Technique. n.d. Web. 19 Feb. < http://www.usfca.edu/fac-staff/weihrichh/docs/newmbo.pdf >.