The disadvantages of MBO are the following:.
a) It is difficult to measure quantify activities that are basically unquantifiable. For example, how can be the objectives of a manager whose role is purely advisory be quantified?.
b) Possible encourage of myopic emphasis on immediate quantifiable goals are to the detriment of nebulous but nonetheless important longer-term objectives.
c) Subordinates are not being given the resources or authority necessary for completion of allotted tasks generating difficulties.
d) The enormous amount of time is consumed by regular consultation between higher and lower executives. A system whereby superiors simply impose targets on subordinates, without consultation, might be more effective. Moreover firms operating in highly uncertain, rapidly changing market environments may need to alter their objectives so frequently that MBO procedures become impractical.
e) Tendencies of senior managers need to pay more attention to subordinates" personal qualities than their work.
f) Possible concentration of effort on the achievement of individual is rather than organizational goals.
(Bennett,1991, p.203-204).
Can MBO be applied in the traditional Chinese society?.
It is impossible that MBO can be applied in the traditional Chinese society. It is because the Chinese is a top-down communication. They own the following characteristics causing only a one-way communication. .
1. Respect for age. In the traditional Chinese society, the younger should respect the elder. "Honor the aged in your own family, so that the aged in other families shall be similarly treated; Nurture the younger in your own family, so that the young in other families shall be similarly treated." (Mencins, cited in Berlin, 1996, p.17) The employer prefer to promote employee, who have the most years of working experience or have worked the most years in this company, to a higher position. To be a superior, he is older than the subordinates in the Chinese company.