Goal vs Objective

Goal vs Objective

The words Goal and Objective are often confused with each other. They both describe things that a person may want to achieve or attain but in relative terms may mean different things. Both are desired outcomes of work done by a person but what sets them apart is the time frame, attributes they're set for and the effect they inflict.

Comparison chart

Improve this chart	Goal	Objective
Meaning:	The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.	Something that one's efforts or actions are intended to attain or accomplish; purpose; target.
Example:	I want to achieve success in the field of genetic research and do what no one has ever done.	I want to complete this thesis on genetic research by the end of this month.
Action:	Generic action, or better still, an outcome toward which we strive	Specific action - the objective supports attainment of the associated goal.
Measure:	Goals may not be strictly measurable or tangible.	Must be measurable and tangible.
Time frame:	Longer term	Mid to short term

1 Definitions
2 Attributes of goals vs. objectives
3 Examples
4 Video explaining the differences
5 Related Articles
6 References

edit Definitions

Both terms imply the target that one's efforts is desired to accomplish. Goals are generically for an achievement or accomplishment for which certain efforts are put. Objectives are specific targets within the general goal. Objectives are time-related to achieve a certain task.

A goal is defined as

The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.
The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end

An objective has a similar definition but is supposed to be a clear and measurable target.

edit Attributes of goals vs. objectives

edit Differences in scope

Goals are broader than objectives in the sense that goals are general intentions and are not specific enough to be measured. Objectives are narrow and are set for certain tasks in particular.

edit Specificity

Goals are general while objectives are specific. Goals are just general intentions towards the attainment of something while objectives are precise actions for accomplishment of a specific task.

edit Tangibility

Goals may be intangible while objectives ought to be tangible. Goals may be directed at achieving non-measurable things while objectives may be targeted at getting measurable things or tasks.

edit Differences in time frame

Both have a certain time frame. Goals usually have a longer time-frame than objectives. Objectives are usually precise targets set for a short term. Goals may be set for a longer term but many objectives may be set within that goal.

edit Measuring goals and objectives

Goals may or may not be measured but in most cases objectives are measurable.

edit Examples

"I want to achieve success in the field of genetic research and do what no one has ever done." This is a goal. "I want to complete the thesis on genetic research within this month." This is an objective.

edit Video explaining the differences

edit Related Articles

edit References

http://dictionary.reference.com/

Comments: Goal vs Objective

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Anonymous comments

You achieve your Goal by utilizing SMART objectives to get there.
76.✗.✗.88 on 2012-10-20 16:54:00

Smart goal = Objective Unclear objective = Goal
211.✗.✗.127 on 2012-06-05 03:30:13

The information presented is just fine (not backwards). The whole SMART mnemonic doesn't seem intended to differentiate between Goals and objectives. It conflates the two to result in actionable management strategies. I.e., it doesn't seem to address the bigger picture perspectives. So, use the definitions above with confidence. They are the commonly used ones in my experience with strategic planning activities.
134.✗.✗.121 on 2010-11-19 00:24:02

agree with the first comment! the right definition is exactly the opposite. Goals are broad but objectives are specific.
205.✗.✗.141 on 2010-07-29 11:21:51

>> Absolutely backwards! Goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound). You say "Absolutely backwards" but then go on to confirm the original post on Differences between Goals and Objectives. I say you're both absolutely backwards. Goals are the broad, general, and more abstract, while Objectives are narrow, precise, and more concrete. Objectives are measurable, and based on completion in a certain amount of time to meet and overall related Goal. So Objectives are SMART, not Goals.
140.✗.✗.86 on 2010-07-21 16:13:58

Absolutely backwards! Goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound). The goals are the "scoreboard" by which the objective/s are measured - just like crossing the goal line earns you points (measurable). The objective is to win the game, the goals might be "score, 100 pts (+10pts vs. competition) by the end of the fourt quarter"....taking this further - Strategies underpin the objectives, e.g. strategies deliver the objectives and tactics underpin the strategies....(goals it off to the side as the measures by which the strategies or tactics can be measured and viewed against). Goals are the scoreboard and O-G-S-T delivers the "bizness" from the top down...a very clear line of sight....
64.✗.✗.93 on 2010-06-21 02:15:30

100%, good and effectve
202.✗.✗.132 on 2009-01-27 06:20:51