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Memory and Performance Appraisals at Work. Module from SIOP. Performance Appraisal. Process by which employees are given feedback on job performance Often annual or semi-annual The question: How is a boss supposed to remember what each employee did or didn’t do?. What’s going on?.
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Memoryand Performance Appraisals at Work Module from SIOP
Performance Appraisal • Process by which employees are given feedback on job performance • Often annual or semi-annual • The question: How is a boss supposed to remember what each employee did or didn’t do?
What’s going on? Performance appraisal can be viewed as a classic example of how we cognitively process and remember things The boss (or other rater)… • observes relevant behaviors • encodes information about performance • stores encoded information in memory • retrieves information needed for the evaluation • integrates retrieved information with other available info (e.g., documentation) • assigns an evaluation to the person being rated
Heuristics: How Raters Cope” • Many raters use heuristics to create “cognitive shortcuts” to help make ratings • The problem: Heuristics are based on general impressions or information and lack specificity • Halo error!
How can raters be more accurate? • Training (e.g., Frame-of-Reference) • Diary/log keeping • Make performance appraisal a process, not an “event” • Structure the performance appraisal ratings so that specific information has to be recalled • One tool: Behaviorally anchored rating scales
Maintains A Good Work Relationship Discusses work-related issues with supervisor and other work group members using knowledge gained from work experience to improve work unit efficiency or quality, or to solve work-related problems.
What can YOU do? • If you’re receiving a performance evaluation • Come prepared • Keep track of what you do • If you have a “Development Plan,” bring it • Any specific information you can provide makes the rater’s job easier • Don’t panic! • The most common use for performance appraisals is feedback; accurate feedback can only help you get better at your job
For more information… Balzer, W. K., & Sulsky, L. M. (1992). Halo and performance appraisal research. Journal of Applied Psychology, 77, 975-985. doi:10.1037/0021-9010.77.6.975 DeNisi, A. S., Cafferty, T. P., & Meglino, B. M. (1984). A cognitive view of the performance appraisal process: A model and research propositions. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 33, 360-396. doi:10.1013/0030-5073(84)90029-1 Uggerslev, K. L., & Sulsky, L. M. (2008). Using frame-of-reference training to understand the implications of rater idiosyncrasy for rating accuracy. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93, 711-719. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.93.3.711