Goal Setting Theory

The goal setting theory states that goals that are specific and challenging, coupled with
feedback, lead to higher performance. The theory suggests that rather than setting vague
broad goals, specific and clear goals should be set as by doing that the chances of achieving
the goal increase. So, instead of saying “do your best”, a leader should clearly specify what
needs to be done and how it needs to be done. The reason for this is that specificity acts as
an internal stimulus. Researches also show that specific goals produce higher performance.
As challenging and difficult goals get our attention and we have to work harder to achieve
them, they are positively related to better performance. Feedback is an important element
of goal setting theory. Through feedback, employees know if they are on track or not. It
gives direction and clarifies how one should act in future.

In the movie, “the great escape”, this theory can be seen in practice. The Allied Prisoners of
War had set their goals very specific. Their goal was challenging, in fact, it was very difficult
but it induced a great deal of intrinsic motivation. The goal was to break 250 people out of
the German POW camp with an aim to acquire freedom as well as divert the German forces
from war to search of fugitives. This specific goal led to a higher performance from the
prisoners and they were able to dig as big a tunnel as would entertain 250 people. A task
that was considered impossible was almost made possible through the effort put in by the
prisoners. As suggested by the goal setting theory, the goals of POWs successfully derived
better performance as the individuals involved had an internal locus of control.

Self-Efficacy Theory
Also known as social cognitive theory, self-efficacy theory is about the belief of an individual
that he/she is capable of performing a task. People vary on the level of their self-efficacy
and this level is directly proportional to one’s confidence in one’s ability to succeed.
Individuals with low self-efficacy tend to perform lower or give up altogether when faced
with difficult situations.

In the movie, this theory stands right. Archie Ives, a Scottish RAF flying officer, was low on
self-efficacy and gave up on the escape attempt after one of the tunnels was discovered by
the guards. This led to sheer frustration for Ives and he failed to wait any longer. He ran
towards the wired fence and tried to climb out of the prison in broad day light in front of all
the guards. Resultantly, he was shot dead. On the other hand, USAAF Captain Hilts had high
levels of self-efficacy. He believed that he was capable of escaping from the prison. This
belief enabled him to take huge risks, which otherwise, he might not have taken but
eventually he was successful in not once but escaping twice.