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Performance management.

Article Excerpt
[check] This checklist sets out an individual, organisational and departmental approach to performance management.

Definition

Performance management is an integrated approach enabling managers to set targets, measure and review performance and re-define goals, and gives a clear indication whether the activities undertaken both by individuals and the organisation itself are achieving the organisation's key objectives.

There is often a difference between the current level of performance and where you would like it to be. At an individual level we often try to reduce this gap by becoming more productive, more skilful, or better informed. This means improving skills or competences. At the collective, or organisational level, it is more about improving processes, systems and procedures. Performance management can be formal or informal. It involves:

the identification of current practice--where you are

the identification of future or intended practice--where you want to be

a recognition of the improvement processes, or driving forces to improve performance

the adoption of targets or goals to get where you want to be

the adoption of techniques, tools or training to get you there

measuring and monitoring the changes and improvements towards your goals

reviewing progress, renewing goals and moving on.

A performance appraisal usually centres on a face-to-face discussion at which some, or all, of the above are discussed. As such, a performance appraisal is an integral part of performance management. The key to successful performance is assimilation of the level of change needed to bridge the gap between where...