What is meant by goal displacement?

Goal displacement refers to the situation where the original objectives of an organization or group are overshadowed by new goals that may not be as significant or relevant. This phenomenon typically occurs when a focus on achieving new or secondary goals leads to neglect of the primary goals that were initially established.

This can happen when the criteria for success shift, often because of changing circumstances or leadership preferences, causing members of the organization to divert their attention and resources away from their original mission. As a result, the organization may lose sight of its core purpose and fail to achieve its most critical objectives.

In contrast, redefining an organization's objectives, clear communication of goals, and personal goal achievement within a team context do not capture the essence of goal displacement, as they focus on enhancing clarity, alignment, or collaboration rather than the detrimental effect of neglecting original goals.