Evaluating performance appraisal systems for IS personnel

A survey of Performance Appraisal systems in IS organizations of Fortune 1000 firms revealed that improvements in attitudes and performance can be made by moving from traditional to collaborative appraisal systems such as MB0 (management by objective) or BARS (behaviorally anchored rating scales). Over 65 percent of the surveyed organizations using the above two performance appraisal systems believe performance is improved by the system. Only 43 percent of organizations using traditional systems believe performance is improved. Six systems are identified and compared: graphic rating, forced distribution, peer rating, subordinate rating, B.A.R.S. and M.B.O. Characteristics of P/A systems are analyzed and recommendations are discussed.