Goal mechanics

In hierarchical organizations, leaders attempt to align goal setting at strategic, tactical, and operational levels so that the organizational members and processes can focus on advancing together toward a common purpose. Bateman and Snell (2014) demonstrate how the rigid hierarchical planning model translates the broad, long-term goals established by top management into more specific short-term goals as they flow down the organization. Top managers establish strategic goals, which serve as major targets for the organization’s lasting survival, value, and growth. Strategic managers typically focus on establishing broad targets for organizational growth, market share, profitability, quality and quantity of offerings, customer service, stakeholder relations, and contributions to society.