Abolishing Performance Appraisals: Why They Backfire and What to Do Instead

Appraisals are a controlling, boss-driven, demeaning device that stifle the motivation, initiative and creativity of employees. That's the contentious starting point for this entertaining demolition of the assumptions that underlie formal performance appraisal methodology.

This book deals with all the functions of the traditional performance appraisal process, and with each function systematically mentions the classic (most common) underlying assumptions as well as alternatives.

The authors separate the five discrete functions of appraisal: coaching, feedback, compensation, employee development, and legal documentation and clarify the objectives of each. They examine the atrocious track record of appraisals.

Employees need a positive work-climate and relationships with superiors which emphasise the need for encouraging feed-back from the work place. Evaluated by superiors the customary way is contra-productive here. This book can help provide constructive alternatives to conventional methods.