Difference Between Aim and Objective

July 25, 2016 By Surbhi S 1 Comment

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

Meaning An aim is a ultimate goal, which Objective is something a

an individual or the entity strive person/entity seeks to achieve, by
 BASIS FOR
AIM OBJECTIVE
COMPARISON

to achieve. continuously chasing it.

Addresses Long term outcomes Short term outcomes

What is it? General direction or intent of an Specific goal of an individual or

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.