ISSN: 2222-6990
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In contemporary organizational environments characterized by complexity and interdependence, enhancing team effectiveness remains a persistent challenge despite extensive research. While Goal Setting Theory (GST) has been widely recognized as a robust framework for explaining motivation and performance, its application in team contexts has not been sufficiently integrated with broader team effectiveness perspectives. This conceptual paper aims to revisit GST by synthesizing empirical and theoretical insights to examine its role in enhancing team effectiveness. Drawing on a narrative review approach, the paper explores how goal characteristics, particularly specificity and difficulty, alongside participative goal-setting processes, contribute to team alignment, coordination, and performance. The review further highlights that goal setting in contemporary teams is increasingly dynamic and iterative, requiring continuous feedback, adaptation, and integration with team processes and organizational contexts. In addition, the paper acknowledges the importance of extending GST beyond short-term performance outcomes to incorporate team sustainability and well-being. The findings suggest that effective goal setting functions as both a motivational and structural mechanism that supports multidimensional team effectiveness. Practical recommendations are provided to guide organizations in implementing structured, participative, and adaptive goal-setting practices. This paper contributes by offering a more integrated and contemporary understanding of GST in team-based environments.
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