Difference Between Aim and Objective

Last updated on October 28, 2017 by Surbhi S

You might have observed when you

were a little kid; you want to be an astronaut, doctor, teacher or any other successful person.
These are the aims of a person’s life which he/she want to achieve in the lifetime. The word aim
is often misconstrued with objective, as they talk about what an individual or entity may want to
achieve. Both are the desired result of the work performed by an individual, however, they entail
different concepts. The aim is the general statement of the expected outcome.

In contrast, objectives are the steps taken to accomplish the long-term goals of the company. So,
when these terms are used in the right context, then only their correct implication is possible.
And, to do so, take a look at the given article to know the difference between aim and objective.

Content: Aim Vs Objective

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for
Aim Objective
Comparison
An aim is a ultimate goal, which an Objective is something a person/entity
Meaning individual or the entity strive to seeks to achieve, by continuously chasing
achieve. it.
Addresses Long term outcomes Short term outcomes
General direction or intent of an Specific goal of an individual or
What is it?
individual/ company. company.
Concerned with Purpose Achievement
Describes What is to be achieved? How it is to be achieved?
Time Bound No Yes
Measurement Impossible Possible

Definition of Aim

In business parlance, a general statement, written in broad terms, explaining what is intended to
achieve, is called aim. It is the overall purpose or the desired outcome, of the entity, which
indicates what and where you expect to be, at the end. These are the sentences which ascertain
the target of the program/project.
Aims act as basic directions while conducting a research or carrying out a project. It can be
chunked into various objectives which help in reaching the aim easily. It has a long range
perspective which reflects aspirations and ambition of the entity.

Definition of Objective

After the aims are set by the organization, the next step is to formulate objectives. Objectives are
concrete targets or goals of the company, that needs to be fulfilled within a time frame and with
limited resources. They are used in different context and are in the form of short sentences,
explaining what you want actually.

Objectives act as an instruction for the employees of the company, what they need to do, to attain
the desired result. They have a short range perspective, i.e. they are small steps taken by the
entity to reach the long term aim. The characteristic of objectives are described as SMART+C:

 Specific
 Measurable
 Achievable
 Realistic or Relevant
 Time bound
 Challenging

Key Differences Between Aim and Objective

The following points are vital, so far as the difference between aim and objective is concerned:

1. The term aim is described as the ultimate goal, which an individual or the entity strive to
achieve. The objective is something a person/entity seeks to achieve, by continuously
chasing it.
2. The aim of the entity reflects its long-term outcomes while its objectives indicate the
short term targets of the entity.
3. Aim refers to the general direction or intent of an individual/company. On the other hand,
the objective is the specific goal of an individual or company.
4. .The aim is related to the company’s mission and purpose whereas objectives are
concerned with the achievements of the company.
5. Aim answers the question, what is to be achieved? Unlike objective which answers, How
it is to be achieved?
6. Aims are not time bound, i.e. there is no time frame within which the aim of the entity
must be achieved as it is hard to say accurately, how much time it will take to achieve.
On the other hand, objectives are always accompanied with a time frame, within which it
must be achieved.
7. Last but not the least difference between these two is on measurability, i.e. objectives are
measurable in nature while aims lack measurability.

Conclusion

When it comes to specification, aims are a bit vague while objectives are very specific. Further,
the aims and objectives of any entity must be concise and brief. They are prepared in such a way,
that they should show a connection between what a company aspires, and how it is going to
pursue those aims. There should be no contradiction between these two and they should not
repeat each other in different ways. Moreover, they need to be realistic, i.e. the aim and
objectives can be achieved within a limited time frame.
Difference Between Goals and Objectives
Last updated on July 26, 2018 by Surbhi S

A company’s goals and objectives are the foundation, which

measures how much distance it has covered to attain its vision. Goals are defined as the lifelong
aims, which an individual or entity endeavor to achieve something. It determines what the
company is attempting to accomplish. On the other hand, objectives are the specific milestones
which a person plans to achieve in a limited period. These are precise, measurable, time-based,
actions that assist in the achievement of goal.

Every company sets out is goals and objectives, in order to reach its mission and vision. These
are specific outcome which an enterprise aims to accomplish within the particular timeframe,
that too with available resources. Take a read of the given article to understand the difference
between goals and objectives.

Content: Goals Vs Objectives

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for
Objectives Goals
Comparison
Objectives are the achievements which can be A goal is a long term purpose
Meaning attained only if the attempts are made in a which a person strives to
particular direction. achieve.
What is it? Means to an end End result
Basis Facts Ideas
Time frame Medium term to Short term Long term
Measurement Easy Comparatively difficult
Materiality Concrete Abstract
Action Specific Generic

Definition of Goals

Goals are defined as the target or purpose that a person imagines or plans to accomplish or to
reach or to achieve in future. They are the driving force that directs a person to make efforts to
achieve it.

In our childhood, we decide, what we want to become in the future and strives to achieve it. The
goal is that point which a person envisions himself, after a particular span of time. To achieve
these goals, people usually put a timeline, so that they can reach their goal in the desired time.
However, they are long term.

Definition of Objectives

The aim or target which you want to achieve within a limited period is known as the objective.
They are the milestones that help you to reach your goal. That is why they are also termed as
subgoals. It is a step to reach a particular point. Suppose I want to score 90% marks in an exam
to get admission in a good university.

Objectives are easily measured when the target is achieved. For example, A company wants to
increase its sales by 50% in the upcoming six months and then when it hits the target it can be
measured through the sales figure.

Key Differences Between Goals and Objectives

The major differences between goals and objectives are provided below:

1. The goals are the broad targets, which can be achieved through continuous actions taken
in the particular direction. Objectives are the aims that you want to achieve in a short
span of time.
2. The goals are the result i.e. a primary outcome, but if we talk about objective, it is a
stepping stone for achieving the goal.
3. The goals are based on ideas, whereas objectives are facts based.
4. When it is about the time limit, it is difficult to determine correctly that in how much time
it can be achieved, but objectives can be time bound, in essence, they can be attained in a
given period.
5. It is hard to measure goals, i.e. how much distance you have covered till now, while
chasing your goal and how much is left to be achieved. On the other hand, objectives are
easy to measure.
6. The goals are abstract, while objectives are concrete.
7. The goals require general actions to attain it. As opposed to objectives, that needs specific
actions.

Conclusion

Although there is a difference between goals and objectives, objectives are the steps that you
take to achieve your goal. So, it will not be wrong if we say that objectives are a part of the goal.
Goals involve lifelong ambition; it defines the destination where you want to see yourself after a
particular period. The objectives are short term targets that you set to achieve something, in a
fixed period.