Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is characteristic of goals?

1. Specific and measurable

2. Broad and general

3. Short-term and tactical

4. Directly tied to evaluation measures

The correct answer is: Broad and general

The best characteristic of goals is that they are broad and general. Goals are often established at a high level and focus on the overarching aims of a project or event. They provide direction and a framework for what needs to be achieved, without detailing the specific steps or metrics for measurement. This overarching nature allows for creativity and flexibility in determining how to reach those goals. In contrast, being specific and measurable pertains more to objectives, which break down the broader goals into actionable items with clear targets. Short-term and tactical aspects are also more aligned with objectives rather than goals, as objectives often have defined timelines and actionable strategies. Additionally, tying them directly to evaluation measures indicates a more detailed assessment that is characteristic of objectives, not broad goals.