'Managers only need to set clear goals to motivate their workers.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. For (agreement): Goal-setting is a motivator, and if the goals are 'SMART' (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based) regular targets can be set and achieved.
2. For (agreement): Achieving goals gives a sense of self-worth - it allows people to feel good about themselves and to self-actualise.
3. For (agreement): Some people like daily targets; some organisations pay workers when targets are achieved.
4. For (agreement): Successful managers become skilled at setting appropriate targets for their workers.
5. Against (disagreement): Some people are motivated more by extrinsic motivators, such as pay (so intrinsic motivation such as goal-setting is irrelevant).
6. Against (disagreement): Poorly designed targets which are difficult to achieve can be de-motivating.
7. Against (disagreement): What works for one manager and workers in one organisation may not generalise to others. Goal setting only works for some managers with some workers in some organisations. There are individual differences in worker motivation so the statement in the question is too general.