Handbook of Principles of Organizational Behavior - Soltanieh ...

CONDUCT PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS
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EXERCISES
Develop a performance appraisal instrument
Individuals and/or groups can learn a lot from going through the process of developing a
performance appraisal instrument for their current job or for one of their group projects
(if they are taking a course). Individuals/groups can apply the principles described in the
section on accuracy (summarized below).
1. Reach agreement on what the deliverable is. For example, if the assignment is to
conduct a “ case analysis of an assigned case, ” a deliverable can be a “ written report
that analyzes an assigned case. ” More specifically, it can be a written report that
identifies the strengths and problems inherent in the case, analyzes the problems
using theories and concepts covered in the course, and provides recommendations.
2. Establish the group ’s goal with respect to the quality and standards of the written
report. For example, is the group ’s goal to obtain an A grade on the assignment or
to learn from the project, both, or something else altogether.
3. Establish the major responsibilities of each group member and translate these
responsibilities into specifi c goals or actions.
4. Establish dimensions of performance and define them in behavioral terms.
Dimensions can be grouped according to task dimensions, OCBs, and CWBs. Task
dimensions can include timely submission of material to group members, depth of
analysis of problems indentified in the case, appropriate use of theories, etc. OCBs
can include reviews team members ’ submission, respects team members, shares
important information, etc. CWBs can include conforms to university policy and pro­
5.
cedures regarding code of conduct, is not late or absent from meetings, etc.
Establish standards of performance for each dimension using clearly defi ned
anchors on the rating scale. For example, on the job dimension “ attendance ” (7
attends all meetings, 2 missed half of the meetings).
Conduct a self - appraisal
Another useful exercise is to ask individuals to rate their own performance. Using the
performance appraisal instrument at your current employer (or former place of employment,
or the instrument developed in the above exercise), conduct a self - appraisal and be
prepared to deliver your self - appraisal to your boss, a peer, or the group. Remember to
keep in mind the principles outlined in this chapter when appraising your own performance