Which of the following best describes goal congruence?

Goal congruence refers to the alignment of individual goals and actions with the overall objectives of an organization. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating a situation where the aspirations of employees or departments do not conflict with the broader goals of the organization. When individuals or teams within an organization work towards their personal or departmental objectives in a manner that supports and facilitates the achievement of the organization's overarching goals, goal congruence is achieved.

This concept is critical in management accounting and performance evaluation, as it ensures that personal incentives and organizational targets are harmonized. When goal congruence exists, employees are likely to be more motivated and engaged, as their efforts contribute to the success of the organization as a whole.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of goal congruence. While alignment of short-term and long-term planning is important, it does not address the individual versus organizational goals aspect. Furthermore, maximizing profit for a segment focuses on individual performance rather than the organization's overall objectives. Lastly, achieving a balance between revenue and expenses relates to financial management rather than aligning individual and organizational goals. Thus, the best description of goal congruence is indeed the alignment of individual goals with the organization’s overall objectives.