Individual Performance Appraisal Paper

Individual Performance Appraisal Paper Introduction Individual performance appraisal is a way of evaluating the level of an employee’s performance in workplace. In healthcare, the 360-degree feedback is the commonly used individual performance appraisal tool; also known as multisource assessment or multi-rater feedback because it can involve external organizations in some cases. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Individual Performance Appraisal Paper specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Any appraisal system should be â€Å"relevant and applicable to everyday work, acceptable and fair, and a mutual collaboration between workers and employers† (Duraisingam Skinner, 2005, p. 2), and 360-degree feedback is not different; it meets all these requirements. As the name suggests, 360-degree is an all-round system that encircles an employee with feedback coming from supervisors, peers, or subordinates. In some cases, individuals carry self-asses sment while in other instances outside sources like customers are involved in the evaluation process. After getting the feedback from the involved parties, the evaluator uses this information to plan training, make administrative decisions, or make developments among others functions. The 360-degree feedback tool operates in a simple manner. An organization is required to form small groups of workers within different departments to fill in essay questionnaires, a task that takes less than 20 minutes. After carrying out the survey, the results are sent to an external organization, which conducts an analysis of the information provided, and gives a feedback. The external organization/company then sends the analyzed information back to the evaluating company after which it calls for employee meetings to discourse the report and come up with ways of improvement by either designing training programs or any other improvement strategies. This is relatively cheap method; nevertheless, it h as both merits and demerits. Merits and Demerits of this Tool This method has several advantages. The 360-degree appraisal method provides a wider view of worker’s performance as compared to the other appraisal tools (Atkins Wood, 2002, p. 875). This is true given the nature of its evaluation; there are many people involved in the assessment and this may run from top management to peers thus allowing all-rounded assessment â€Å"It is more comprehensive than other appraisal methods since they may only need the manager to do the evaluation† (Seifert, Yukl, McDonald, 2003, p. 565). This appraisal method increases the believability of the appraisal result. The many people used in this assessment reduce chances of unfair assessment. Biases are minimized for not all people can be biased towards an individual hence making it a credible tool. Therefore, some administration decisions like promotion are done on merit.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Given the fact that this tool involves one’s peers, the individual under evaluation can enhance his/her personal self-development. This factor emanates from the fact that an employee spends more time with his/her peers than his/her manager; therefore, any form of appraisal will be positively taken without the notion of bias. In such situation, the employee under evaluation will most likely embark on a self-development program for he/she will know the results are true. Finally, through 360-degree feedback, employees get the chance to air their views and complain without following the normal bureaucratic complaint chain (Seifert, Yukl, McDonald, 2003, p. 565). Employees can indicate their complaints when filling in the questionnaires and this eliminates normal and long procedures of airing complaints. On the other side, there are also few demerits of this system. This is a time consuming exercise. The element of including numerous people in the process implies more time consumption thus eliminating the possibility of frequent appraisal exercises. This system may yield cynicism and suspicion in workplace (Smither, London Reilly 2005, p. 39). Management may fail to cooperate in the appraisal process hence undermining their authority. Staff members may become de-motivated if they do not get positive appraisals from their workmates. This calls for an honest environment, which may be lacking in many institutions. This system poses the risk of revealing confidential information to other companies (Pfau Kay, 2002, p. 56). This factor comes because of outsourcing the analysis stage of the evaluation process. The external company receives all the information about a given company and this is dangerous in confidential matters. Effects on Employees This personal performance management system draws mixed reactions from employees. These reactions are tied in t he merits and demerits of the same. If well implemented, employees serve customers well and become gratified by their work. Employees are able to know their performance quite well if they take 360-degree feedback results positively. If employees choose to focus on the positive side of the results then they can develop themselves quickly by working on their weak points as indicated in the results. Areas where an employee scores poorly are areas that call for attention and improvement and by so doing, personal performance improves significantly. Nevertheless, some employees will fail to admit the results and resort to complaining citing sabotage. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Individual Performance Appraisal Paper specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this case, the effects will be debilitating and personal performance may drop significantly due to loss of focus and self-confidence among other issues associa ted with negativity. Therefore, the effects of this system on employee depend on how the employee in question views and responds to the results. Effects on Departmental Performance The effects of this appraisal method on departmental performance are similar to that of individual performance. This is true given the fact that individuals make departments and the outcome of any appraisal depends on how people in those departments view the results of the same. However, these appraisal effects falls on the departmental heads feel they are responsible of running departmental matters. Therefore, any effect at departmental level will be determined by the perception of departmental heads towards the 360-degree appraisal system. According to Full Circle Feedback, (2004), the entire department will then ‘react’ to the head’s perception; if it is positive, it will build the department but if it is negative it will call for drastic measures causing tension within the involv ed department in most cases. Improvement Suggestions/ Conclusion Taking into consideration the challenges facing this system, people may consider using technology to avoid the issue of time wastage. Designers of questionnaires may decide to do it online. Moreover, institutions should consider encouraging individuals not to personalize appraisal results but to work on them for they are honest. However, this calls for honesty and openness in the whole process. The 360-degree feedback system is an all-round appraisal system involving several individuals who fill questionnaires concerning different issues. After filling in the questionnaires, they are sent to an external company for analysis before coming back to the evaluating company for discussion. This system has both merits and demerits; like offering wider view of employees performance and time consumption respectively; nevertheless, incorporating technology and promoting honesty could solve some shortcomings of this system.Adve rtising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reference List Atkins, P., Wood, R. (2002). Self-Versus Others Ratings as Predictors Of Assessment Center Ratings: Validation Evidence for 360-Degree Feedback Programs. Personnel Psychology, 55(4), 871–904 Duraisingam, V. Skinner, N. (2005). Performance Appraisal. In N. Skinner, A.M. Roche, J. O’connor, Y. Pollard, C. Todd (Eds.), Workforce Development Tips (Theory into Practice Strategies): A Resource Kit for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Field. National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (Nceta), Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Full Circle Feedback. (2004). 360 Degree Feedback. Retrieved From, Http://Www.Fullcirclefeedback.Com/Our-Services/360-Degree-Feedback-Explained.Htm Pfau, B. Kay, I. (2002). Does 360-Degree Feedback Negatively Affect Company Performance? Studies Show That 360-Degree Feedback May Do More Harm Than Good. What is The Problem? Hrmagazine, Jun 2002. 47, 6; 54–60. Seifert, C., Yukl, G., McDonald, R. (2003). Effects of Multisource Feedback And A Feedback Facilitator on the Influence of Behavior of Managers Toward Subordinates. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(3), 561–569. Smither, J.W., London, M., And Reilly, R.R. (2005). Does Performance Improve Following Multisource Feedback? A Theoretical Model, Meta-Analysis And Review of Empirical Findings. Personnel Psychology, 58, 33–66

October Writing Prompts for Classroom Journals

October Writing Prompts for Classroom Journals October begins with students and teachers still happily enjoy the summer holidays and ends with the excitement of heading back to school. Feel free to use these writing prompts for each day in October as daily warm-ups or journal entries. October Holidays Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal MonthComputer Learning MonthFamily History MonthNational Dessert MonthEnergy Awareness Month Writing Prompt Ideas for October October 1 - Theme: World Vegetarian DayAre you a vegetarian? Why? If not, would you ever consider becoming one? Why or why not?October 2 - Theme: Peanuts Comics Strip First PublishedWhy is your favorite character from Peanuts: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Peppermint Patty, or another character? Explain your answer.OR October 2- Theme:  International Day of Non-ViolenceNon-violence has been used to bring about social change.Read up on Gandhi. What social change would you suggest should be brought about?October 3 - Theme: Family Television DayIs there any television show that you watch together as a family? If so, what are they? If not, explain which TV show is your favorite.October 4 - Theme: Toot Your Own Flute DayWhat is something that you are really proud about? What are you good at? For todays writing assignment, brag about yourself.October 5 - Theme: Fast Food (Ray Krocs Birthday)What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Why?OR October 5 - Theme: World Teachers DayEstablishe d by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) in 1994.Write a teacher from your past (or present) a heartfelt â€Å"thank you† letter or card. October 6 - Theme: Thomas Edison Showed the First Motion PictureExplain how movies have changed the world OR consider the economics of the motion picture industry (MPAA).   What is the significance of this industry that employs roughly  2.1 million jobs while paying out $49 billion to local businesses across the country?October 7 - Theme: Computer Learning MonthAre you a gamer? A coder?  On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, how would you rate your skills using a computer?October 8 - Theme:  Columbus Day  -(celebrated)Should Columbus Day still be celebrated as a national holiday?Explain your answer.October 9 - Theme: Explorer Leif Erikson DayCelebrate the explorer who found America!No, not Columbus. The other explorer, the Viking, Leif Erikson, who beat Columbus by 400 years. Why do you think we do not celebrate this explorer?October 10 - Theme: Cakes (Cake Decorating Day)If you could have any cake for your birthday, what would it be?Describe the type of cake, the t ype of icing, and how it would be decorated. October 11 - Theme: Eleanor Roosevelts BirthdayEleanor Roosevelt was born on this date in 1884. She is considered one of the most influential First Ladies. In your opinion, what kind of influence should the First Lady have on the government?October 12 - Theme: Indigenous Peoples Day (traditionally Columbus Day)Indigenous Peoples Day  began as a counter-celebration to  the U.S.  federal holiday  of  Columbus Day.   Indigenous Peoples Day is intended to celebrate North and South American peoples, and to bring attention to  Native Americans who  continue to practice their cultures today. Do you know which indigenous peoples are associated with your town, city, or state?October 13 - Theme: Train Your Brain DayAre you a fan of crosswords, sudoku, or other mind games? Why or why not?OR  October 13 - Theme: National MM DayThere are over 340 million MMs produced daily.Which  is your favorite kind of MM candy? (plain, peanut, etc) If they had to invent a new MM, what would you suggest?October 14 - Theme: Chocolate Covered Insect DayThe  U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization notes that  there are more than 1,900 edible insect species on Earth. Insects may be one way to feed the world population in the future.Would you ever consider eating a chocolate covered insect? Why or why not? October 15 - Theme: National Poetry DayT. S. Eliot said, Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood. What do you think he meant by this?October 16 - Theme: Dictionary DayBased on the life and times of Noah Webster of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, this day celebrates words. Over 800 words are added annually to our language.  Look up some of the new additions or make a suggestion for the adoption of a new word.October 17 - Theme: Wear Something Gaudy DayDescribe the gaudiest outfit imaginable. Would you wear it?OR October 17 - Theme: Chess​In 1956, a 13-year old Bobby Fischer won the a chess match against the   26-year-old champion Donald Byrne  in what is called the chess Game of the Century.Do you play chess or other strategy games (board or video)? Do you think age makes a difference in who is a champion in a game of strategy? Why or why not?October 18 - Theme: Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal DayAccording to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals en ter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.If you were to buy a dog or cat, would you go to a shelter to adopt one or buy from a breeder? Explain your reasons. October 19 - Theme: Thomas Edison Demonstrated the Electric LightA survey taken at the end of the 20th Century found that Edison was the most influential figure of the millennium..... Do you agree or disagree?   Describe at least five things that would be different about life if there were no electric lights.October 20 - Theme: Sweetest DayDescribe at least three nice things that you can do for someone you care about.October 21 - Theme: Reptile Awareness DayReptiles can an  alternatives for people who are allergic to furry  or feathery animals. There are some drawbacks, however, as there are many species of  Ã‚  reptiles that will bite. Some species are venomous.Would you own a snake or other reptile as a pet? Why or why not?October 22 - Theme: National Color DayWhat is your favorite color? How would you describe your favorite color to a blind person?OR October 22- Theme: RiskOn  this day in 1779, the French balloonist Andrà ©-Jacques Garnerin was the first person to use a parachute when he jumped out of a balloon over Paris using a silk parachute that he made himself.What is the riskiest thing you have ever done? Would you do it again? October 23 - Theme: Mole DayMole Day is an unofficial holiday for chemistry enthusiasts celebrated between 6:02 a.m. and 6:02 p.m., or 6:02 10/23 (a measuring  unit in chemistry).What are three ways in which chemistry has made the world a better place?October 24 - Theme: United Nations DayIn 1971, United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.If you could visit one foreign country, which would it be and why?October 25 - Theme: Sarcasm (Sarcastic Month)Are you a fan of sarcasm? Are you personally sarcastic? Explain your answers.October 26 - Theme: Make a Difference DayPick an area of your life: family, school, work, friends, or society. Explain 5 ways you can make a positive difference in that area.October 27 -Theme:  US Navy DayThe US Navy was created  by the Second  Continental  Congress  passed a resolution  but it was not until 1794 after an engagement with Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean that the Navy showed its prowess. What do you know about this branch of the military? Would you ever consider a career in the military? October 28 - Theme: Statue of Libertys BirthdayThe Statue of Liberty, or Liberty Enlightening the World, was a   symbolic gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in 1886.What does this the Statue of Liberty symbolize today?October 29 - Theme:  National Cat Day68 percent of all households in the United States own  a pet cat, making the number of pet cats close to  95.6 million.Are you a cat pet person or are you a dog pet person? Or do you even want a pet? Why or why not?October 30 - Theme: National Candy Corn DayWhats your favorite Halloween candy? Why?October 31 - Theme: HalloweenThe National Retail Federation estimates that over $9 billion dollars will be spent on Halloween. Do you plan on spending money for Halloween? Do you like Halloween? Dressing up? Why or why not?