Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The CEO usually has a more detailed evaluation conducted by the chief elected officer or a subgroup of
the board, utilizing a different set of performance measures and incorporating the organizations strategic
goals.
Performance Appraisals
Look Before You Leap
Every once in a while, there is a request on the listserv for sample performance
evaluation forms. While few people start completely from scratch when
implementing a new review form, you need to be careful before adopting
someone elses form without thinking through some important questions. First,
what behaviors are you trying to motivate with your performance management
tool? Many forms contain performance dimensions such as teamwork,
leadership, adaptability, etc. You need to choose these competencies
carefully to make sure that they reflect the behaviors which will lead to success in
your unique environment. The dimensions you choose must be strategically
relevant. It is a mistake to simply adopt the competencies contained in another
organizations form, particularly if they conflict with your other HR systems such
as selection, compensation, and training. Are you selecting employees based on
one set of criteria, but evaluating, compensating and/or training them on different
competencies/behaviors?
Another important consideration is the usefulness of the tool for the dual
purposes of performance evaluation: employee development and HR decisionmaking. Does the instrument provide a way to objectively evaluate performance
as the basis for determining raises, promotions, and training? At the same time,
does it provide specific, behavioral feedback leading to enhanced performance?
Finally, do the performance standards meet the following important criteria for a
sound performance management tool: are they clear, understandable,
measurable, observable, and able to be developed? Are they free from criteria
contamination and deficiency (does the form measure all of the important
aspects of the job but none that are beyond the employees control)? Does the
rating scale make sense, and is it easy to interpret and apply?
A good performance evaluation form can be a powerful tool in helping
organizations achieve a competitive advantage through people, but only if we
resist the temptation to assume that one size fits all.
Christina L. Greathouse, Ph.D. - Partner
Strategic Performance Group