Buss 508 - Allstate Case

1. Using the model for goal setting, evaluate Allstate’s goal setting process to determine whether or not Allstate has an effective goal-setting program.

“Goal setting is the process of specifying desired outcomes toward which individuals, teams, departments, and organizations will strive and is intended to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness”. (Hellriegel, 2011). Goal setting is something that is progressively worked towards. The Model for goal setting which has four motivational aspects consist of “goals direct attention”, “goals regulate effort”, “goals increase persistence”, and “goals foster strategies and action programs.” Goals direct attention teaches employees how to focus on what is relevant and important to their future goal. Goal regulate effort is set in place to motivate the employee to act on their goal. Goal increase persistence teaches how employees can find ways to overcome obstacles and avoid making excuses if they fail. The last model for goal setting is goals foster strategies and action program. This model “encourages people to develop strategies and action programs that enables them to achieve their goals.” (Hellriegel & Slocum, page 192). The goal setting process of Allstate seems effective based on the steps the company has set in place to reach their goals. Allstate’s first step is succession programming, which is set in place to track and measure key drivers of career development and opportunities for all its employees. With this process set in place, a growth in women and minority employment has grown. Development is the second step, and it allows employees to receive an assessment their current job skill and it allows this employee to plan and develop critical skills needed for progression. Measurement, which is the third step, and this step allow employees to complete a bi-annual survey that the company would then use to solve problems and improve work process. The fourth and final step is accountability and...