2.1.2 Setting and integrating job performance outcomes
Competency standards are not necessarily the same as the performance outcomes set by a company to meet their specific needs. Often national competencies set a standard of performance required at a level of employment, while companies set standards that include specific measures for task completion.
Activity 1
Differentiating competencies from performance indicators
Establish which of the following are either a competency standard likely to apply to many individuals and companies (Mark with an 'C'), or a measurable, more specific Performance Indicator likely to be internal to one company (Mark with a 'P').
| 1. Process 12 A3001 forms per day | ||
| 2. Process forms correctly to time requirements | ||
| 3. Manage self | ||
| 4. Achieve an overall decrease in customer complaints | ||
| 5. Determine and record customers' cause for complaint | ||
| 6. Telephones are answered within three rings | ||
| 7. Maintain computer equipment to manufacturers' instructions | ||
| 8. Source data on the causes of workplace injury | ||
| 9. Monitor all A3001 work place injury file system entries and lending accurately | ||
| 10. Establish and maintain files | ||
Answers are.
Competency standards are those listed at 3, 5, 7 and 10. The remaining could be performance indicators with more detailed measures.
Evolution of performance appraisal in Australian enterprises today can be represented as follows:
- None.
- Informal interview on an unstructured basis.
- Interviews conducted annually in isolation from mainstream management systems.
- An infrequent interview (once or twice a year) which is linked to the planning cycle through report back by the interviewer into the corporate planning system
- A more frequent interview (two to four times a year) with key staff (usually managers) to rate the individual's contribution to enterprise performance against a set of targets set by management from strategic objectives. Individual development is determined through comparison with others to determine normative 'efficiency' and 'competence'.
- An integrated exercise conducted at irregular and key points with participatively set targets to measure all employees' strategic contributions. Rating of performance and development needs ascertained through use of 360-degree (multi-level, two-way communication) feedback from individuals against collective indicators.
It is fair to say many public and private enterprises are failing to realise that performance appraisal systems form one of the key components in an organisation's capacity to flexibly respond to customer needs. Appraisal systems also maintain a critical link between organisational and job design and the improvement in the delivery of products or services.
Activity 2
What are the major problems with YOUR use or involvement in Performance Appraisals?
Priority listing Issue
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