usually found in specific result-oriented documentations and manuscripts like strategic plans and scholarly publications. These three concepts are essential in undertakings that involve planning or research and inquiry. Knowing the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives is essential not only in defining the scope and limits of a particular undertaking but also in appreciating and achieving desired results.
What is the Difference Between Purpose, Goal, and Objectives: An Explainer
The following standard definitions provided a better understanding of the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives:
1. Purpose: Purpose provides the reason for doing something or rationalizing the reasons and intentions behind predetermined destinations or desired results.
2. Goals: A goal is a statement describing predetermined destinations or desired results. It represents aspiration or sets future directions toward the destinations.
3. Objectives: The stated objectives represent concrete actions needed to achieve the aspirations or steps required to reach predetermined destinations.
From the aforementioned definitions, purpose supersedes goals, which, on the other hand, supersedes objectives. Purpose and goal also tend to be general and abstract concepts while objectives are not only specific and concrete but also measurable.
A stated purpose provides a general snapshot. It is also often idealized or sentimentalized because it represents the values of an organization or individual. The goal or goals of a particular purpose statement are more direct-to-the-point and the corresponding objectives provide the steps needed to realize the purpose and achieve the point of the goals.
It is also important to underscore the fact that purpose also influences goals and objectives. It provides the foundation or basis for determining targeted outcomes or desired results and the general framework for driving toward these desired results.
Illustrating the Difference Between Purpose, Goals, and Objectives: Examples
The following are examples provided to illustrate and explain further the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives:
1. Business Organizations
• Purpose: Run a business that will benefit the owners, provide employment opportunities, and attend to the needs and demands of the public through quality products
• Goal: Increase revenues and profits within five years
• Objectives: (1) Reduce operational costs by streamlining functions and processes; (2) Develop and implement marketing strategy; and (3) Explore new market opportunities and create new products
2. States and Governments
• Purpose: Build a progressive, inclusive, peaceful, and productive nation that celebrates humanity and acknowledges and benefits from the diversity in society
• Goal: Promote and protect rights and liberties
• Objectives: (1) Develop and implement anti-discrimination laws; (2) Improve universal access to healthcare and education; and (3) Design and deploy economic policies aimed at inclusive growth
3. Personal Development
• Purpose: Create a life that is both well-lived and driven by the need to regularly seek a strong sense of fulfillment and worthwhile and relevant accomplishments
• Goal: Establish a profitable business venture
• Objective: (1) Save money from employment to raise capital; (2) Take short courses in entrepreneurship and business management; and (3) Build a network with potential partners and clients
The purpose is often generally expressed or stated in mission and vision statements in businesses and other organizations. Furthermore, in most cases, more specific purposes for more specific goals and objectives can be derived from existing mission and vision statements.
It is also worth noting that the difference between purpose, goals, and objectives should also coincides with the difference between a strategy and a tactic. These concepts are also essential elements that should be properly defined in planning or research undertakings.
