appraisal Flashcards
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is a formal assessment or evaluation of the performance of an employee over a particular time period in terms of meeting set objectives or performance targets.
When are appraisals usually carried out?
Appraisals are normally carried out by the employee’s line manager once a year, but this can vary between organisations
What factors might an employee be judged on during appraisal?
An employee may be judged on tasks like number of complaints, performance of subordinates, and management of budget.
Besides measuring performance, what else is discussed during an appraisal?
Training needs and career prospects are discussed. Bonus earnings may also be set.
What is superior’s assessment in appraisal?
The employee’s direct line manager conducts the appraisal. The line manager has authority and the employee is accountable to them.
What is peer assessment in appraisal?
Employees of a similar level critically comment on the performance of a co-worker and suggest methods of improvement.
What is a benefit of peer assessment?
It may be less critical (softer) than appraisal by managers and helps employees learn from each other.
What is self-assessment in appraisal?
The employee reflects critically on their own performance, records progress, and suggests future targets.
What is the key benefit of self-assessment?
t encourages self-reflection: ‘Am I doing the best job I can and how could I improve?’
What is 360-degree feedback in appraisal?
Feedback is received from staff or stakeholders (fellow workers, managers, junior staff, customers, suppliers) and possibly includes self-assessment to provide a full picture of performance.
Why is 360-degree feedback useful?
It provides a full (360°) picture of performance and may help in decisions about promotions.
How does appraisal improve employee performance?
It helps employees overcome weaknesses, enhance strengths, gain new skills, and improve performance.
How does appraisal improve communication of targets?
Employees have a clear idea of business targets and can communicate issues that affect motivation.
How does appraisal help meet organisational objectives?
It helps managers determine future goals and allocate employees to suitable positions based on their skills.
How do employees benefit from appraisal?
Appraisals can be motivating, clarify targets, and lead to skill development through training.
How do managers benefit from appraisal?
It helps managers set organisational goals, allocate rewards and promotions fairly, and provide direction to staff.
How do customers benefit from appraisal?
Getting the best employee performance improves customer satisfaction.
How do shareholders benefit from appraisal?
Better employee performance can increase customer satisfaction, boosting sales and profits
What are some drawbacks of appraisals?
Can cause workplace tension (especially over bonuses)
Puts workers under pressure
Places too much power in the hands of managers, risking misuse.
What must happen for an appraisal system to be successful?
Problems highlighted must be acted on, feedback must be given, and appraisal must be based on clear, agreed targets.
What else is needed for appraisal success?
Managers must be trained to solve problems, and employees must be encouraged to participate honestly.
Why is appraisal important for a business?
It improves performance, motivation, staff development, and strategic workforce planning
Why might appraisal impact stakeholders differently?
Different stakeholders value outcomes like profits (shareholders), service (customers), motivation (employees), and efficiency (managers).
