Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Performance Appraisal Objectives?

Marlene Garcia
Marlene Garcia

Performance appraisal objectives might include analyzing employee attendance, job knowledge, initiative, relationship with coworkers, and job quality. They basically measure whether an employee met individual performance goals that mirror performance appraisal objectives of the company. One common objective of an employee evaluation might determine if a salary increase or merit award is appropriate.

Job reviews typically occur once a year to set performance appraisal objectives and goals for the following year. Managers hold formal meetings with staff members to discuss which objectives were met and where employees fell short. This is an opportunity for supervisors to address weaknesses and areas for improvement. It also offers a chance to reward employees who met objectives of the company.

Many employers give performance reviews annually.
Many employers give performance reviews annually.

These goals might include increased profits, customer retention, or the development of new clients. An employee might prepare for the review by bringing documentation to show he or she met performance appraisal objectives. This documentation might show how an employee met company goals throughout the year. A record of accomplishments might also help address unwarranted criticism in the employee evaluation.

Performance appraisal objectives should be measurable, specific and realistic.
Performance appraisal objectives should be measurable, specific and realistic.

It is generally accepted in the business world that performance appraisal objectives must be measurable, specific, and realistic. Employees should clearly understand what is expected of them and how their performance benefits the firm. If performance is not tied to salary increases, employees should understand the company policy on raises and the purpose of annual performance reviews.

Salary increases are often the object of performance appraisals.
Salary increases are often the object of performance appraisals.

Management personnel typically determine if performance appraisal objectives aim to reward or correct employee behavior. They also identify training programs needed to help employees meet defined goals and make objectives meaningful. Open communication, especially when parameters of the job review process change, helps ensure workers understand reasons for evaluations.

It is important to include positive feedback as part of a performance appraisal so employees have something good to take away.
It is important to include positive feedback as part of a performance appraisal so employees have something good to take away.

Some companies include the employee in the process used to set goals. This gives each staff member a chance to discuss personal circumstances that might hinder success. For example, an employee dealing with a critically ill parent might want to discuss attendance goals. Problems with a difficult coworker might also affect the worker’s attitude about the job. He or she might suggest training methods used to improve performance and the benefit or lack of benefit of these programs.

Some companies use performance appraisal objectives to increase the volume of production and improve profits. Goals set for individual employees might allow them to use initiative to devise ways to increase production without sacrificing quality or accuracy. Managers might set goals for an individual project and review performance upon completion.

Discussion Comments

comfyshoes

@Cafe41 - I wanted to say that at the company where my husband works they usually have the employee perform a self assessment of their overall job performance and what areas the employee feels that he or she needs to develop.

The manager then takes this information and develops the performance appraisal according to how he views the employee’s performance. I think that when a company does this is makes the performance appraisal runs smoother because it forces the employee to take into account their strengths and areas of relative weaknesses.

If the communication is good between the manager and his staff the results of the self appraisal and the manager’s appraisal should not be too far off. I really like this performance appraisal method because if there is a big disconnect between how the employee views their job performance and what the manager thinks of the employee’s performance the manager will be made aware of this perception that the employee has and will be able to give quantitative feedback and make the case stronger in the performance appraisal so that the employee can see where they were deficient and not argue about it because the facts will be spelled out.

cafe41

I think that the management by objectives performance appraisal is one of the more effective performance appraisal examples because not only do supervisors give goals and objectives to their staff but they also evaluate their performance on a frequent basis and gives raises based on how well they performed.

This performance appraisal technique is really focused on the end results not the method of achieving the results. It gives the employees some freedom to determine how to achieve the stated goal.

For skilled employees with a lot of experience, this performance appraisal method can be a blessing.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many employers give performance reviews annually.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Many employers give performance reviews annually.
    • Performance appraisal objectives should be measurable, specific and realistic.
      By: iofoto
      Performance appraisal objectives should be measurable, specific and realistic.
    • Salary increases are often the object of performance appraisals.
      By: Alexey Stiop
      Salary increases are often the object of performance appraisals.
    • It is important to include positive feedback as part of a performance appraisal so employees have something good to take away.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      It is important to include positive feedback as part of a performance appraisal so employees have something good to take away.