Abstract for: A Model of Goal Dynamics in Organizations: a case study

This work is an attempt to go ahead on a suitable system dynamics model for goal dynamics in organizations proposed by Barlas & Yasarcan (2008). Even if the proposed model doesn’t have any pretension to be exhaustive, the main objective of this paper is to propose a model of goal dynamics in which Goal Setting, Management by Objectives and Training are viewed as human resources practices able to enhance workers’ goal commitment, and therefore, organizational performance. In the first part of this paper, an analysis of Goal Setting Theory and the role of goal setting practice in enhancing worker’s performance are remarked. In the second part, the case-study, the causal loop and a quantitative model of goal dynamics in organizations are described. In the third part, behaviour reproduction test, optimization analysis for parameter estimation and scenario analysis are presented. Limits of this research and conclusion are finally discussed.