Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

What distinguishes objectives from goals?

1. Objectives are broader in scope

2. Objectives are more general and long-term

3. Objectives are specific and narrow

4. Objectives relate to the organization’s mission

The correct answer is: Objectives are specific and narrow

Objectives are specific and narrow, distinguishing them clearly from goals, which tend to be broader and more ambiguous. When defining objectives, they are typically articulated in clear terms that can be measured and achieved within a set timeframe. This specificity helps organizations to create actionable plans and evaluate progress effectively. For instance, whereas a goal may be to "improve customer satisfaction," an objective could specify "increase customer satisfaction scores by 10% over the next six months." This contrasts with the other options that inaccurately describe objectives as broad, general, or aligned strictly with an organization’s mission. Overall, understanding the specificity of objectives is crucial for effective planning and execution in meeting management.