Saturday, 13 September 2014

The Importance Of Performance Management Tools For An Organisation

The performance management process is critical to the success of every organisation. Hence, to measure and improve upon the productivity of its employees, a company needs to use certain tools for performance management for its employees.

What is performance management?

Performance Management is a constant process in an organization. It involves –
  • Performance measurement using the right tools
  • Helping the employees to achieve their goals, and,
  • Do course correction when required
What are the commonly used performance measurement tools?

1. Annual Performance review:

This is an annual review done with an intention to evaluate the employee performance for the year, and set the tone for the next year. This is almost a standard practice in every organisation worldwide. Specific rewards can be given to employees with performance above the expected standards.

2. Balanced Scorecard:

This is a strategic improve performance management report used by managers as a performance measurement tool for their staff as against the goals set for them. Balanced scorecards are great in pointing out deviations, which will require course corrections.

3. Periodic meetings:

These meeting, as the name suggests, are done regularly, with a view to set team targets, evaluate tasks done, and effect any necessary course corrections.

4. 360 degree reviews:

The employee, most commonly a promotion candidate gets evaluated not only by his superiors, but also by his peers, subordinates and possibly by people from other departments as well.

Is it necessary to improve the performance measurement tools?

Definitely! An organisation has to improve all its performance measurement tools, so that the right performance management can happen.

How can this be achieved?

  • Gather feedback:
After a performance review, the employees should be encouraged to give their inputs on the performance management and performance measurement tools. The feedbacks received can be very useful in tweaking the performance measurement tools.
  • Benchmarking:
Benchmark the performance management tools against that of its competitors and industry leaders to incorporate their best practices.
  • Incorporate the latest tools:
Periodically new performance measurement tools should be incorporated, existing ones should be upgraded and obsolete ones should be retired.

Undertaking these measures will help the company to effectively motivate its employees, and remain competitive in the long run.