Qualities, Characteristics And Classification Of Goals

Lesson 13 : Goals

Qualities,Characteristics And Classification Of Goals

Goals are classified in to 3 types.
a. Short term goals – leading to other goals.
b. Intermediate goals.
c. Long term or ultimate goals.

a. Short term goals:

A short term goal represents an objective, condition or some thing you intend to achieve in the immediate future. Usually these involve a time period of six months or even less. They tend to be more clearly identified. Because of clarity, often short term goals serve as the begining or initiating point to achieve an intermediate or long term goal. Achievement of short term goals may lead to initiation of action for long term goals.

b. Intermediate or medium term goals:

Generally these goals are thought to be the link connecting between short term and long term goals. The time period for these goals is longer. Achievement of these goals is often measured in terms of several months or year these goals direction to the future and assist in the attaining the long term goals.

Intermediate goals often tend to form clusters directed towards an overall objective or condition. It also involves the always is and evolution of other intermediate goals or long term goals. These goals are more definite than long term goals.

c. Long term goals:

These goals are considered fairly permanent. They are sought or achieved over long periods of time. They have real meaning to family life. These may be the first goals a family formulates, these are the usually the last, a family achieves/attains. These goals differ from other two types of goals with regard to the time period involved, the degree of specificity and the extent of active implementation involved in their attainment. These goals are not very clearly defined these goals mirror the values of family and individual and show the quality of life or the life style.

Goals should be carefully analysed in the relation the resources each person has competing wants from which selection must be made deciding which goals are most desirable, acceptable, attainable and which appear vital to all members of the family, which takes time, though and often may require discussions. To be real, goals need to become dynamic parts of life. To make them part of daily routine requires conviction and effort. Many goals change gradually as the family passes through their life cycle.

Timing of goals:

Nickel et al (1976) compared the goals in family to the vehical traffic on a freeway. The goals are similar to the vehicals that compete with each other on the road to reach its destination. In between the travel some vehicals may stop, some may change the direction and some will reach the planned destination. Goals are usually inter related, interdependent and carried on concurrently as part of daily living. They play an important part in life and are dynamic because they motivate thought and action for both individuals and family as a group.

A person who rapidly associates ideas and who quickly and skillfully perceives and fashions goals patterns is called goal- minded person. Goal mindedness provides a perspective for allocating resources among competing goals. Goal minded people are capable of successfully combining multiple roles as employee, family member and community participant and will have perceptions that extend beyond daily routines.

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Last modified: Saturday, 24 March 2012, 8:21 AM