Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What type of goals does management by objectives primarily focus on?

1. Long-term strategic goals

2. Short-term tactical goals

3. Operational guidelines

4. All-inclusive organizational objectives

The correct answer is: Short-term tactical goals

Management by Objectives (MBO) is a performance management approach where managers and employees work together to set, monitor, and achieve specific objectives within a defined timeframe. It primarily emphasizes short-term tactical goals as these are more immediately actionable and measurable, allowing for timely feedback and adjustments. By focusing on short-term goals, MBO facilitates a clear pathway for employees to understand their roles and responsibilities in achieving broader organizational objectives. It helps align individual performance with departmental and organizational targets, ensuring everyone is working cohesively towards success. In contrast, long-term strategic goals tend to encompass broader visions that may require more time to materialize and typically involve more complex planning processes. Operational guidelines, while important in their own right, are more about standardized procedures rather than the clear, time-bound objectives that MBO accentuates. All-inclusive organizational objectives refer to the overall aims of an organization, again leaning towards a strategic level rather than the tactical focus inherent in the MBO approach. Therefore, the emphasis on short-term tactical goals makes this the correct answer in the context of MBO.