Analyzing the Impact of Strategic Performance Management Systems and Role Ambiguity on Performance: A Qualitative Approach

2017 ◽  
pp. 15-27
Author(s):  
Enoch Asare ◽  
Sue Conger
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Role Ambiguity ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Strategic Performance ◽  
Performance Management Systems ◽  
The Impact

Catch-22

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 78-87
Author(s):  
Thomas Kaarsted
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Management Systems ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Catch 22 ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Services to researchers are a key strategic focus point for academic libraries. In many cases these services are linked to performance management systems. However, this kind of system for measuring scholarly research has unintended side effects and may demotivate researchers on a number of levels. This presents somewhat of a catch-22 for research libraries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Bibliometric Research Indicator (BRI) in Denmark, show why the researchers may feel demotivated, outline the dilemmas and the effects on libraries, and present a possible course of action. Design/methodology/approach At least 14 countries have implemented performance management systems for researchers. The impact has been the topic of several – primarily quantitative – studies, e.g., in Denmark. The analysis is made by means of a qualitative study (interviews with 43 Danish researchers), using motivation crowding as well as self-determination theory to further explore their motives and experiences, to determine whether these factors have any influence on their experience of the BRI. Findings The analysis confirms earlier studies which showed that researchers as a whole do not see the BRI as supportive and that this kind of system may have unintended side effects. Unintended side effects include pressure, limitation of freedom, a drop in the perceived standard of research, the slicing of articles, negative collegial behavior as well as borderline academic theft. In connection researchers do not see the incentives or rewards given by the system as supportive. Research limitations/implications This BRI study is made within only one country and as these systems tend to vary not only from country to country but also with incomparability within faculties and institutes, further studies might expose different patterns. However, as the results fit a more general trend within the research area, the takeaways could potentially prove useful for research libraries in general. Furthermore it could be beneficial to research libraries in general to get a clearer understanding of the role they play, which in part could be done by surveying them on this subject. Practical implications The finding presents potential dilemmas for research libraries, as they might get caught in the crossfire between expectations or demands from the university management and the hope and dreams from individual scholars with the risk of unintentionally alienating a key target group. Thus, a possible course of action is outlined including focus points and target areas for libraries. Originality/value This paper presents original research with some key findings with a focus on the dilemmas for research libraries with regard to BRI-like systems, strategic management and performance measurement.

scholarly journals Management learning, performance and reward: theory and practice revisited

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Rowland ◽  
Roger Hall
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Organizational Effectiveness ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Management Systems ◽  
Management Learning ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which organizational learning is recognized through performance management systems as contributing to organizational effectiveness and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – It reviews several pieces of research, employing a wide range of methods, including: content analysis of managers’ reflections; questionnaires completed by managers and mentors; a large-scale survey involving ethnography, interviews and questionnaires; and analysis of documents from professional bodies and management delivery centres. Findings – Genuine integration of individual and organizational goals or transfer of learning from the individual to the organization is not evident. Few qualitative measures of organizational performance are employed. The impact of metrics such as IIP or EFQM on organizational effectiveness is nor discernible. Management learning and development is rarely measured even when it is encouraged by the organization. There is a clear divide between research, teaching and learning and workplace practice. Performance management systems create perceptions of unreliability and inequity. Research limitations/implications – Espousing the value of learning and learning to learn, measuring them accurately and rewarding them with meaningful changes to working life can only improve organizational effectiveness. Research into the few organizations that have successfully embraced triple loop learning in their development of managers may offer a template for transformational learning to sustain competitive advantage. Originality/value – Management development processes have been successful in developing individuals but less successful in achieving organizational development. This paper offers new insights into that gap and the omissions in the metrics by which performance is measured.

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