News: Performance Management
Many managers have a 'tick-box mentality' about appraisals
15 February 2008
A new survey by people assessment company Talent Q suggests that a "tick-box mentality" exists with regard to performance management, Personnel Today reports.
The research found that four in ten respondents (employees) do not receive a formal appraisal at work, even though good appraisals followed by positive development planning lead to a 2.7 per cent productivity increase.
Some managers see appraisals as a chore, and if they are poorly executed they cost the economy money.
Robin Lodge of the Institute of Leadership and Management said that a "tick-box" mentality exists at many organisations.
"I believe that this percentage of employees not receiving an appraisal is not due to managers viewing appraisals as a chore, rather it is because most managers do not understand the importance of appraisals in helping them to manage the day-to-day performance of their employees and the way that this links into their business results," he said.
Lisa Stone of consultancy Right Management suggested that performance management training could help.
"Companies need to start looking at appraisals from a strategic perspective," she said.
"Line managers should be trained in preparing for the appraisal and fitting it in with a fuller development plan for the staff member, as many of the problems stem from managers and organisations lacking the appropriate skills and training to make the most of appraisals."
