The words Goal and Objective are often confused with each other.

They both describe things that a person may want to achieve or attain but in relative terms may mean different things. Both are desired outcomes of work done by a person but what sets them apart is the time frame, attributes they're set for and the effect they inflict.

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Goal Objective

The purpose toward which an endeavor Something that one's efforts or actions are Meaning is directed. intended to attain or accomplish; purpose; target.
Example

I want to achieve success in the field of I want to complete this thesis on genetic genetic research and do what no one research by the end of this month. has ever done. Generic action, or better still, an outcome towards which we strive. Goals may not be strictly measurable or tangible. Longer term Specific action - the objective supports attainment of the associated goal. Must be measurable and tangible. Mid to short term

Action

Measure Time frame

Contents

1 Definitions 2 Attributes of goals vs. objectives o 2.1 Differences in scope o 2.2 Specificity o 2.3 Tangibility o 2.4 Differences in time frame o 2.5 Measuring goals and objectives

3 Examples 4 Video explaining the differences 5 References

Definitions
Both terms imply the target that one's efforts is desired to accomplish. Goals are generically for an achievement or accomplishment for which certain efforts are put. Objectives are specific targets within the general goal. Objectives are time-related to achieve a certain task. A goal is defined as 1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.

2. The result or achievement toward which effort is directed or aimed. An objective has a similar definition but is supposed to be a clear and measurable target.

Attributes of goals vs. objectives

Differences in scope
Goals are broader than objectives in the sense that goals are general intentions and are not specific enough to be measured. Objectives are narrow and are set for certain tasks in particular.

Specificity
Goals are general while objectives are specific. Goals are just general intentions towards the attainment of something while objectives are precise actions for accomplishment of a specific task.

Tangibility
Goals may be intangible while objectives ought to be tangible. Goals may be directed at achieving non-measurable things while objectives may be targeted at getting measurable things or tasks.

Differences in time frame

Both have a certain time frame. Goals usually have a longer time-frame than objectives. Objectives are usually precise targets set for a short term. Goals may be set for a longer term but many objectives may be set within that goal.

Measuring goals and objectives

Goals may or may not be measured but in most cases objectives are measurable.

Examples
"I want to achieve success in the field of genetic research and do what no one has ever done." This is a goal. "I want to complete the thesis on genetic research within this month." This is an objective. summarize their goals and objectives in Mission and Vision statements. Both these things serve different purposes for the company but are often confused with each other. While a mission statement describes what the company wants now, the vision statement describes what the company wants to be in the future.

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Mission Statement
A Mission statement talks about HOW you will get to where you want to be. About Defines the purpose and primary objectives related to your customer needs and team values.
Answer

Vision Statement
A Vision statement outlines WHERE you want to be. Communicates both the purpose and values of your business.

It answers the question, What do we do? It answers the question, Where do we What makes us different? aim to be? A mission statement talks about the present leading to its future. A vision statement talks about your future. It lists where you see yourself some years from now. It inspires you to give your best. It shapes your understanding of why you are working here.

Time

It lists the broad goals for which the organization is formed. Its prime function is internal, to define the key measure or Function measures of the organization's success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders.

Your mission statement may change, but As your organization evolves, you it should still tie back to your core values, might feel tempted to change your customer needs and vision. vision. However, mission or vision Change statements explain your organization's foundation, so change should be kept to a minimum. What do we do today? For whom do we Where do we want to be going Developing a do it? What is the benefit? In other words, forward? When do we want to reach statement Why we do what we do? What, For that stage? How do we want to do it? Whom and Why? Purpose and values of the organization: Who are the organization's primary Features of "clients" (stakeholders)? What are the an effective statement responsibilities of the organization towards the clients? Clarity and lack of ambiguity: Describing a bright future (hope); Memorable and engaging expression; realistic aspirations, achievable; alignment with organizational values and culture.

Contents

1 About 2 Purpose 3 Features 4 Time frame

5 Developing a statement 6 Which comes first? 7 Video explaining the differences 8 References

Vision Statement of the Toronto Zoo

About
A Mission statement talks about what the company is now. It concentrates on present; it defines the customer(s), critical processes and it informs you about the desired level of performance. A Vision statement outlines what a company wants to be. It concentrates on the future; it is a source of inspiration; it provides clear decision-making criteria.

Purpose
A mission statement is spelled out to narrate what the organization is about. It talks about what the company is right now. It lists the broad goals for which the company is formed. It discusses in details what the company does, what the structure is and what its plans are. A vision statement talks about what the company wants to be. It describes what the "vision" of the company is for its future. It lists where the company sees itself some years from now.

Features
Features of an effective vision statement include:

Clarity and lack of ambiguity Paint a vivid and clear picture, not ambiguous Describing a bright future (hope) Memorable and engaging expression Realistic aspirations, achievable Alignment with organizational values and culture Time bound if it talks of achieving any goal or objective

Features of an effective mission statement are:

Purpose and values of the organization What business the organization wants to be in (products or services, market) or who are the organization's primary "clients" (stakeholders) What are the responsibilities of the organization towards these "clients" What are the main objectives that support the company in accomplishing its mission This Slideshare presentation includes the vision and mission statements of companies in the Fortune 100: Visions & Missions of Fortune Global 100 by Alar Kolk

Time frame
While a mission statement talks about the present, the vision statement talks about the future. The former mentions what the company is now while the latter describes what the company wants to become in the future. A vision statement mentions what the future will look like for the company if it follows the mission statement.

Developing a statement
When developing a mission statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

What do we do today? For whom do we do it? What is the benefit? When developing a vision statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

What do we want to do going forward? When do we want to do it? How do we want to do it?

Which comes first?

For a new start up business, new program or plan to re-engineer your current services, the vision statement will be formulated first as it will guide the mission statement and the rest of the strategic plan.

For an established business where the mission is established, often the mission guides the vision statement and the rest of the strategic plan for the future.