RE: TARGET SETTING

["Paul Hollingworth" <PH@4gm.com>]

Rather than try to confront people who are wedded to the belief that targets
'work' with the argument that they don't, I suggest two alternatives, either
or both of which may be suitable.

1)	Targets do indeed work. This is self evident. But what do they
actually achieve? And what are the unintended side effects or consequences?
2)	What are their underlying assumptions about the people who the
targets are being set for? Why do they need targets to 'help' them do good
work? (Do you?) What would be a better way?

Of course, you will need to be well prepared to handle this dialogue. I
suggest not a chapter, but a whole book. If you only read one (especially
one non-statistical)  book about this subject, read Punished By Rewards by
Alfie Kohn.

http://www.alfiekohn.org/books/pbr.htm 


Paul Hollingworth    PH@4GM.com