Author: Brinkerhoff, Derick W. and Kanter, Rosabeth Moss

Publication Year: 1978

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This paper reviews a portion of the literature on performance appraisal and surfaces the major factors that have an impact upon the appraisal process. These factors are then discussed within the specific context of organizations in the non-profit [nonprofit] sector, paying attention to the problems encountered in designing and using performance appraisals. It becomes clear through our analysis that the more a system of performance appraisal is asked to do, the less satisfactory the results are. It is also clear that PA works best for some kinds of roles and positions and not as well for others, raising the issue of whether one can completely substitute formal procedures for other kinds of human judgment. Non-profits may need control systems, but they need ones that are compatible with their mission and member characteristics.

Abstract:

This paper reviews a portion of the literature on performance appraisal and surfaces the major factors that have an impact upon the appraisal process. These factors are then discussed within the specific context of organizations in the non-profit [nonprofit] sector, paying attention to the problems encountered in designing and using performance appraisals. It becomes clear through our analysis that the more a system of performance appraisal is asked to do, the less satisfactory the results are. It is also clear that PA works best for some kinds of roles and positions and not as well for others, raising the issue of whether one can completely substitute formal procedures for other kinds of human judgment. Non-profits may need control systems, but they need ones that are compatible with their mission and member characteristics. (p. 3)

CONTENTS
Performance appraisal: an overview.
Purpose.
Task characteristics.
Organizational structure.
Organizational factors in PA.
Summary.
Performance appraisal in non-profit organizations.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Organizational Planning