Analysis of Travis County Performance Appraisal Systems
Date
2003-08
Authors
Worley, Chad
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Abstract
Performance appraisals are utilized in an attempt to measure employee performance in organizations. Often times the outcome of these appraisals affect the employees retention, promotion, or salary. An effective performance appraisal system should improve morale, motivation, and overall productivity of an organization by identifying employees' strengths and addressing areas that need improvement.
This applied research project assesses the performance appraisal systems of Travis County Departments based on the assessment model developed in previous research and described through a literature review.[1] The ideal type model for effective performance appraisal systems contains seven categories: Policies and Procedures; Managerial Support; Training; Setting of Employee Goals; Setting of Performance Standards; Observation of Performance; and Appraising Performance.
The assessment is performed through the case study research design and uses multiple sources to collect evidence. Survey research, focus interviews, and content analysis enhance the reliability of the research through a triangulation of data. The results indicate that performance appraisal systems of Travis County Departments adhere to the seven model categories listed above. Future recommendations include development of more comprehensive policies and procedures relating to the performance appraisal process and the consistent application of rewards to employees who perform at or above standards.
[1] See Analysis of Municipal Government Performance Appraisal Systems, By Le Ann Estes Piatt, 1998. The conceptual framework and model used to assess the performance appraisal systems were taken directly from Analysis of Municipal Government Performance Systems.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Summer 2003.
Keywords
Travis County, Texas, performance appraisal, employees, performance, retention, promotion, Public Administration
Citation
Worley, C. (2003). Analysis of Travis County performance appraisal systems. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.