Management by objectives (MBO) is a process where managers and employees jointly set objectives, evaluate performance, and provide feedback. MBO was first popularized by Peter Drucker in 1954 as a way for managers to avoid getting too involved in daily activities and instead focus on objectives. It involves cascading goals throughout the organization, participative decision making, explicit time periods for objectives, and performance evaluation. MBO aims to increase organizational performance by aligning goals. While it can motivate employees and facilitate control, it also requires time and risks conflicting objectives.