Objectives and Management

Objectives are thing which essential in managing. An educator once said; “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Whatever reasons are given, an objective should always be something which is quantitative, measurable, realistic, understandable, challenging, hierarchical, obtainable, and congruent among effected units. Clearly established objectives will provide direction, allow synergy, aid in evaluation, establish priorities, reduce uncertainty, minimize conflicts, stimulate exertion, and aid in both the allocation of resources and the design of jobs. Objectives especially the long terms are an important measure of managerial performance.
Hence, manager (especially who involve in carving the strategies for organization) should avoid the alternative ways to “not managing by objectives”. Normally these alternatives could be divided into four categories;
a) Managing by Extrapolation
This type of managing adheres to the principle “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The idea is to keep on doing about the same things in the same ways because things are going well.

b) Managing by Crisis
This type is based on the belief that the true measure of a really good strategist is the ability to solve problems and because there are plenty of crisis and problems, strategy manager ought to bring their time and energy to bear on solving the most pressing problems of the day. Managing by Crisis is actually a form of reacting rather than acting and of letting events dictate the; what and when of management decisions.

c) Managing by Subjectives
Based on the idea that there is no general plan for which way to go and what to do; just do the best you can to accomplish what should be done. As conclusion; “Do your own thing, the best way you know how”. (Subordinates are left to figure out WHAT is happening and WHY.)

d) Managing by Hope
Based on fact that the future is laden with great uncertainty and that if we try and do not succeed, then HOPE our second or third attempt will succeed. Decisions are predicted on the hope that they will work and the good times are just around the corner, especially if luck and good fortune are on our side.