Which motivation theory focuses on establishing measurable objectives for performance?

Goal theory is centered around the idea that setting specific and measurable objectives significantly enhances performance. This theory posits that when individuals have clear goals, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to achieving them. It emphasizes the importance of the goals' clarity, difficulty level, and the feedback associated with progress toward those goals. By establishing measurable objectives, individuals can gauge their performance and adjust their efforts accordingly, which fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages persistence.

In contrast, reinforcement theory primarily concerns the use of rewards and punishments to influence behavior, and while it supports motivation, it does not focus on the establishment of measurable performance objectives. Equity theory revolves around the perception of fairness in the distribution of resources and outcomes, impacting motivation based on an individual's comparison to others. Churning theory, which relates to customer retention and satisfaction, is not relevant to performance measurement objectives in a motivational context.