The influence of a performance management programme on the achievement of organisational and individual goals : a case study

• Main Author: Van Huyssteen, Hannes
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Port Elizabeth Technikon 2001
• Subjects: Performance > Management; Goal setting in personnel management
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63

Many organisations are continuously searching for methods which can be used to improve performance. One such method is by means of implementing a performance management programme. This research study addresses the influence that a performance management programme has on the achievement of organisational and individual performance. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with organisational and individual goals. Questionnaires, developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to determine the extent to which a specific organisation manages performance, in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of organisational and individual goals at the selected organisation. The final step of this study entailed the formulation of recommendations. Three of these recommendations are regarded as critical to ensure the successful improvement of performance by means of a performance management programme: Firstly, it is of utmost importance that training and development, and the necessary resources to achieve objectives is provided. Secondly, feedback forms an integral part of a performance management programme. Those who provide feedback, need to acquire the necessary skills, so as to ensure that both positive and negative feedback is given to employees, which could ultimately enhance performance. Thirdly, the success of a performance management programme resides with both management and employees. Management need to be committed to the programme, and the well-being of their employees. Management also needs to be able to eliminate problems that negatively influence performance. On the other hand, employees need to realise that a performance management programme is not only linked to pay, but also the development of each individual, and the improvement of performance.