The four steps or stages of the Management by objective process are also called the MBO cycle. The four-step cycle illustrated lies at the very heart of MBO.
Since MBO combines planning and control, the management by cycle follows very closely the planning-control cycle.
Table of Contents
Management by Objective with 4 cycle
Step-1: Setting objectives
A hierarchy of challenging, fair, and internally consistent objectives is the necessary starting point for the MBO cycle because it serves as the foundation or all that follows. All objectives, according to the principles of MBO, should be reduced to writing and kept aside for future reference during steps 3 and 4. Setting objectives under MBO start at the top of the managerial pyramid and filter down, one layer at a time.
The main contribution of MBO to the objective-setting process is its emphasis on participation and involvement of subordinates. There is no place in MBO for either a domineering manager ordering people or a passive manager leaving all at the discretion of the subordinates. Rather MBO calls for negotiation of objectives between superiors and subordinates on a give-and-take basis.
Step-2: Developing action plans
With the development of action plans and the addition of these statements to the objectives anticipatively set, the planning phase of MBO comes to an end. Managers, at each level, tend to develop plans that incorporate the objectives established in step-1.
It is the responsibility of higher managers to make sure that the plans of their direct subordinates complement rather than conflict with one another.
Step-3: Periodic review
Attention now turns to step-3 as plans go into action requiring the following-up and monitoring of performance. Face-to-face meetings between superior and subordinate at 3-, 6- and 9- month intervals should be held regularly.
These periodic check-ups help the see whether a particular set of objectives is still valid or needs revision or updating under the changed circumstance. Periodic check-ups also provide managers with excellent opportunities to give subordinates required and well-considered feedback.
Step-4: Performance appraisal
According to Kreitner, “at end of one complete cycle of MBO, typically one year after the original goals are set, the final performance is matched with the previously agreed-upon objectives. The pairs of superior and subordinate managers who mutually set the objectives one year earlier meet face to face once again to discuss how things have turned out.
MBO calls for an emphasis on results, not on personalities or excuses.” Kreitner further adds that the control side of the MBO cycle is completed when success is rewarded with promotion, incentive payments, or other suitable benefits, and failure is noted to take corrective action in the future. At the time of evaluating performance during steps 3 and 4, managers need to keep in mind the following behavioral principles:
Evaluation of performance and appropriate response to success and failure complete the control side of the MBO cycle.
Principles of evaluating performance
The principle of participation: Motivation tends to increase with increased participation in decision making and objective setting.
The principle of feedback: Motivation tends to increase when employees know where they stand.
The principle of recognition: Motivation to achieve organizational goals or objectives tends to increase when employees are recognized for their contribution.
Employee motivation increases when employees are allowed a role in decision-making and get recognition for their work.
The MBO cycle repeats itself, after every one round, each cycle contributing to the learning process. As a common practice, MBO starts at the top and introduces a new layer of management to the MBO process each year.
Experience shows that adding several layers of management Fundamental of Management-13 into MBO all at once frequently causes confusion, dissatisfaction, and failure. Actually, five or more years are typically taken even for a moderate-sized organization to evolve a full-blown MBO system that binds together such areas as planning, control, performance appraisal, and the rewarded system.
Votaries of MBO believe that the natural by-products of a proper MBO system are higher productivity and greater motivation resulting from the use of realistic objectives, more effective control, and self-control of the employees.
Votaries of MBO believe that the natural by-products of a proper MBO system are higher productivity and greater motivation.
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very convincing content as well as very informative. I am clear now about MBO