QCG

Developing Performance Management Systems

The Project

We have supported numerous clients over many years in the design, development and implementation of performance management systems. These have included overarching performance and reward strategies, the design of systems and management arrangements, including on-line applications and the training of managers and employees in the use of systems. In a recent example, we helped a private sector company whose system was creaking, because of both poor design and a lack of managment skill and will to operate the system effectively. The result was poor decision making on development planning, pay and incentive scheme awards.

Our Role

We worked with the CEO and the Head of HR on the efficacy of the existing system and an assessment of what was working well and less well. From our other work with this company we could bring an understanding of employee expectacations and motivation to bear on the analysis of what needed fixing. The big issue was the overall process and the forms and there was a lack of clarity about the role of the managers making links between actual performance and the review outcomes. We simplified the process and forms and worked with the managers to clarify their role and the purpose of the system.

Outcome

The regular performance review process has improved significantly and now the outcomes are fully linked to development planning and remuneration reviews. On-going training and development of line managers will enhance the company’s performance management still further.