According to goal setting theory, what enhances productivity?

Feedback on performance is a critical component of goal-setting theory, as it plays a vital role in enhancing productivity. When individuals receive feedback, they can assess their progress toward achieving the set goals. This feedback allows for adjustments and improvements in strategies or efforts, leading to increased motivation and engagement. Knowing how well one is doing provides a clear benchmark for success, fostering a sense of accountability and reinforcing behaviors that lead to better performance.

In contrast, while easier goals might seem beneficial, they do not typically drive high performance compared to more challenging and specific goals, which are shown to enhance motivation. The idea that goals have limited meaning is contrary to the essence of goal-setting theory, which emphasizes the significance of specific and challenging goals in driving performance. Additionally, while pay based on achieving goals can motivate individuals, it is not a central component of goal-setting theory as related to productivity enhancement. The emphasis is more on the role of feedback in achieving performance improvements, making it the correct answer in this context.