Goal Setting Among Fraternities and Sororities in the University of the Philippines Manila

Abstract

Goals are believed by theorists like Eric Skopec, James Manktelow, Graham Tarrant, and organizational systems analysts, to provide foundations or basis for an individual's or an organization's activities and level of productivity. Goal setting is essential as this process basically provides directions for and constraints on decision-making and action. Furthermore, goals are perceived to be the source of motivation for people in an organization to work, as goals embody the character of an organization. The nature of an organization influences how the leaders and members of a particular organization practice goal setting. How they plan, work, towards a goal, and execute activities are characterized by the type of organization they are in. In the case of fraternities and sororities, their goal setting procedures and planning strategies are formally guided by the principles and the objectives of their constitutions. Gender differentiation, which is one of the main characteristics that define the nature of fraternities and sororities, also influence what kind of goals are to be set; how goals are to be set; and what goals are to be given the utmost importance. Gender differences also influence the strategies to be applied when working toward goals. In UP Manila, the most visible and seemingly active organizations are the fraternities and sororities. The members of these kinds of organizations believe that their goals or their planning strategies have much to do with their perceived level of productivity. In general, their perception of goals and goal setting are promising, in that they believe that goals and goal setting are significant in, not only their perceived productivity level, but also in the direction that their organizations are heading for.