Self-Control

Definition

Self-control is the ability to regulate one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve long-term goals or adhere to societal norms. It involves the conscious effort to override impulses and resist temptations, allowing individuals to make decisions that align with their values and priorities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-control is a key component of effective management by objectives, as it enables individuals to stay focused on their goals and resist distractions or temptations that could derail their progress.
2. Individuals with strong self-control are better able to align their daily actions and decisions with their long-term objectives, improving their chances of achieving those objectives.
3. Self-control can be developed and strengthened through practice, such as setting achievable goals, monitoring one's progress, and implementing strategies to overcome impulses or temptations.
4. The ability to exercise self-control is particularly important in the context of management by objectives, where individuals must be able to resist short-term temptations or distractions in order to stay on track and achieve their desired outcomes.
5. Effective self-control can also help individuals better manage their time and resources, as they are better able to prioritize tasks and resist the urge to procrastinate or engage in unproductive activities.

Review Questions

• Explain how self-control is a crucial component of effective management by objectives.
  • Self-control is essential for effective management by objectives because it enables individuals to stay focused on their long-term goals and resist the temptation to deviate from their planned course of action. Individuals with strong self-control are better able to align their daily decisions and behaviors with their overarching objectives, improving their chances of achieving those objectives. This is particularly important in the context of management by objectives, where individuals must be able to resist short-term distractions or impulses in order to stay on track and reach their desired outcomes.
• Describe how the development of self-control can support the successful implementation of management by objectives.
  • The development of self-control can support the successful implementation of management by objectives in several ways. First, individuals with strong self-control are better able to set and adhere to realistic goals, as they can resist the temptation to set unrealistic or overly ambitious targets. Second, self-control enables individuals to monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to their plans, rather than becoming derailed by setbacks or unexpected challenges. Finally, self-control helps individuals manage their time and resources more effectively, as they are better able to prioritize tasks and resist the urge to procrastinate or engage in unproductive activities, ultimately improving their chances of achieving their desired objectives.
• Analyze the role of self-control in the overall success of a management by objectives approach, considering both individual and organizational perspectives.
  • From an individual perspective, self-control is crucial for the successful implementation of management by objectives, as it enables individuals to stay focused on their goals, resist temptations and distractions, and make decisions that align with their long-term priorities. Individuals with strong self-control are better able to set achievable goals, monitor their progress, and make necessary adjustments to their plans, ultimately increasing their chances of success. From an organizational perspective, the development of self-control among employees can contribute to the overall success of a management by objectives approach. When employees have the ability to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they are more likely to work towards the organization's objectives in a consistent and productive manner, rather than becoming sidetracked by short-term concerns or personal interests. This can lead to improved productivity, better resource allocation, and a stronger alignment between individual and organizational goals, all of which can enhance the effectiveness of the management by objectives process.

Related terms

Impulse Control: The capacity to resist urges or temptations and delay gratification in pursuit of longer-term objectives.

Emotional Regulation: The process of managing and modulating one's emotional responses to situations, often through the use of cognitive strategies.

Delayed Gratification: The ability to forgo immediate pleasures or rewards in order to achieve more valuable long-term goals.