Final answer:
Effective performance goals should be realistic, positive, and objective, aligning with the SMART criteria of being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These allow an individual to clearly understand expectations, track progress, and achieve goals within a set timeframe aligned with broader objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of effective performance goals follow the SMART criteria: they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Thus, the answer to the question is b) Realistic, positive, and objective. These goals are tailored to ensure that an individual knows precisely what is expected, can track progress quantitatively, and can achieve the target within a specified time frame with relevance to the overarching objectives. An effective goal is one that is grounded in reality, aiming for a positive outcome, and is based on objective measures.
Setting goals that are Achievable and appropriate is vital; it involves identifying goals and outlining a plan to attain them. Additionally, establishing Measurable goals is key to being able to monitor progress. Questions such as "How will I know when it is accomplished?" are crucial in defining these criteria.
During a Performance Evaluation, one should review goals to understand which have been met, exceeded, or not achieved and how this relates to future work objectives. This is also the time to set new goals for upcoming periods, ensuring continuous improvement and performance alignment with organizational or personal growth.