Allstate

Xerox Case Evaluation

Merleen Reed

Leadership and Organizational Behavior- BUS 520

Dr. Jack Huddleston

November 9, 2010

Evaluate Allstate’s goal setting process to determine whether or not Allstate has an effective goal-setting program.

What does “goal” really means? I would define goal as a tangible realistic strategy to carry me where I want to be in the future. Businesses often set goals to help maximize profit and assist in the development of their laborers. Goal setting is one of the essential motivators utilized by organizations to facilitate their employees’ growth and purpose. Allstate is conscious their employees need inspiration, meaning, and purpose in their jobs; therefore, instituting practical goals help in the success of the company.

Examining the model for goal setting outlined by Hellriegel & Slocum , Jr. (2010) and observing Allstate’s goal setting process, one can see the ambition of Allstate is to motivate its employees by aligning their objectives with those of the organization (p. 164). Allstate’s primary aspiration is to inspire their employees to enthusiastically grow within the company. According to the article, Allstate recognizes that engrossing the managers and employees in mutual goal settings does not constrain the individual’s aptitude to respond to a challenge (Hellriegel & Slocum , Jr., 2010 p. 184).

As stated by Hellriegel & Slocum, Jr. (2010), Allstate recognizes that a person’s self efficacy is contingent on the jobs with comprehensible and demanding goals. The company knows that the employees’ behaviors are “more likely to be focused on job-related tasks, high levels of performance, and goal achievement” (p. 165). Upper management is integrated into the equation to serve as mediators due of the diversity within the company. Allstate is apprehensive about their employees and ascertains it will be effective in implementing goal setting for everyone. This allows the entire workforce within the company the opportunity...