Does goal setting matter? The impact of employee-level and organizational-level goal properties on public employees' perception of performance appraisal fairness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Harrington ◽  
John McCaskill
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Performance Appraisals ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Public Employees ◽  
Federal Employees ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between goal properties, both at the employee and organizational-level, and the perceived fairness of the performance appraisal system by federal employees.Design/methodology/approachWe describe the theoretical framework regarding goals and employee perceptions of performance appraisal fairness. We then develop and test four hypotheses, exploring the relationships among variables using five years of the FEVS data. To strengthen the research design, we created an agency-level dataset, by calculating agency-level averages for all the covariates. Instead of examining 500,000 federal employees each year, we are examining 80 federal agencies. Creating a panel dataset at the agency level allows us to make stronger statements about causality than using cross-sectional data.FindingsThis study finds a significant positive relationship between goal setting factors and employees' perceived fairness of performance appraisals: perceived employee-level goal difficulty and perceived organizational-level goal specificity at the agency level. The study results show that certain control variables, such as intrinsic motivation, play important roles in predicting public employees' perceived fairness of performance appraisals. Federal employees who have a higher level of intrinsic motivation show a more positive perception toward performance appraisal fairness. The appropriate use of extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation, combined with effective goal setting strategies in public organizations, may enhance public employees' perceived fairness of performance appraisal systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used the FEVS, necessitating the reduction of the sample size to agency level averages to create a panel dataset. Also, this study was limited to federal agencies in the United States, so research results may lack generalizability.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to avoid cross-sectional research design and leverage longitudinal panel data.

Leader positive humor and organizational cynicism: LMX as a mediator

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Gkorezis ◽  
Eugenia Petridou ◽  
Panteleimon Xanthiakos
Keyword(s):  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Public Employees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Cynicism ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – Leader-member exchange (LMX) has been proposed as a core mechanism which accounts for the impact of various antecedents on employee outcomes. As such, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of LMX regarding the relationship between leader positive humor and employees’ perceptions of organizational cynicism. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 114 public employees. In order to examine the authors’ hypotheses hierarchical regression analysis was conducted. Findings – As hypothesized, results demonstrated that LMX mediates the relationship between leader positive humor and organizational cynicism. Research limitations/implications – Data were drawn from public employees and, therefore, this may constrain the generalizability of the results. Also, the cross-sectional analysis of the data cannot directly assess causality. Originality/value – This is the first empirical study to examine the mediating effect of LMX in the relationship between leader humor and employees’ perceptions of organizational cynicism.

Nurse managers’ role in older nurses’ intention to stay

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjorie Armstrong-Stassen ◽  
Michelle Freeman ◽  
Sheila Cameron ◽  
Dale Rajacic
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Nurse Managers ◽  
Nurse Manager ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Hr Managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a model of the underlying mechanisms linking perceived availability of human resource (HR) practices relevant to older nurses and older nurses’ intentions to stay with their hospitals. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative data were collected from randomly selected older registered nurses (N=660) engaged in direct patient care in hospitals in Canada. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings – The relationship between perceptions of HR practices (performance evaluation, recognition/respect) and intentions to stay was mediated by the perceived fairness with which nurse managers managed these HR practices and nurse manager satisfaction. When nurse managers were perceived to administer the HR practices fairly (high perceived procedural justice), older nurses were more satisfied with their nurse manager and, in turn, more likely to intend to stay. Research limitations/implications – The cross-sectional research design does not allow determination of causality. Practical implications – It is important that nurse managers receive training to increase their awareness of the needs of older nurses and that nurse managers be educated on how to manage HR practices relevant to older nurses in a fair manner. Equally important is that hospital administrators and HR managers recognize the importance of providing such HR practices and supporting nurse managers in managing these practices. Originality/value – The findings increase the understanding of how HR practices tailored to older nurses are related to the intentions of these nurses to remain with their hospital, and especially the crucial role that first-line nurse managers play in this process.

The relationship between performance appraisal system and employees' voice behavior through the mediation-moderation mechanism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Rasheed Memon ◽  
Bilqees Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Voice Behavior ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Appraisal System ◽  
Empowering Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Appraisal System ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate and articulate the performance appraisal process as a tool, used for the development of voice behavior through the fostering of trustworthiness and empowering culture in the organization.Design/methodology/approachData has been collected through survey instruments, filled by employees and their coworkers. The study proposes and tests a new model based on the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the moderation-mediation mechanism. Data analysis has been performed using SEM through SMART PLS 3.FindingsResults show that a strong and positive relationship exists between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the mediating variable of psychological empowerment. The moderators, empowering leadership and perceived fairness have played vital role in boosting psychological empowerment and strengthening the relationship with performance appraisal.Research limitations/implicationsThe study presents the performance appraisal system as one of the antecedents of employees' voice behavior generated through psychological empowerment (mediator) and perceived fairness and empowering leadership (moderators) since the appraisal system is to be implemented through the leader.Originality/valueThe study presents a unique and innovative idea while it tries to explore and measure the different effects/impacts of the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior.

Servant leadership and the Scrum team’s effectiveness

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 873-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nico Holtzhausen ◽  
Jeremias J. de Klerk
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Software Development Teams ◽  
Leader Role

Purpose Scrum is a development methodology that has been rapidly gaining popularity over the last decade particularly for software development teams. The Scrum master is sometimes viewed as a servant leader of the Scrum team. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent Scrum masters actually make use of servant leadership and how this impacts on the team’s effectiveness via mediating processes. Design/methodology/approach The research followed a quantitative approach. An online questionnaire was prepared and completed by 71 Scrum team members (excluding Scrum masters) and 22 Scrum masters in more than ten organizations based in Western Cape, South Africa. Findings Scrum masters in this sample extensively used the servant leadership approach, but those who are also appointed as formal team leaders are seen to be considerably better servant leaders by team members. There is a moderately strong correlation between servant leadership of the Scrum master and team effectiveness. It was found that high levels of psychological safety do not necessarily translate into team performance. Research limitations/implications Research was only performed at the unit level of analysis and not the team or organizational level. This was a cross-sectional study and variations over time were not considered. Practical implications The results confirm the importance of servant leadership skills when identifying and developing Scrum masters, appointing the formal team leader role in Scrum teams and implementing Scrum practices effectively. Originality/value As could be established, this is the first time that the role of servant leadership in Scrum teams was formally investigated.

Public service motivation and willingness to collaborate

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Getha-Taylor ◽  
Alexa Haddock-Bigwarfe
Keyword(s):  
Homeland Security ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Public Service Motivation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Original Survey ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine public service motivation (PSM) and the connection with collaborative attitudes among a sample of homeland security actors representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Design/methodology/approach – This study examines relationships between measures of PSM and collaboration using original survey data and hierarchical multiple regression. Findings – Findings reveal strong positive relationships between PSM measures and attitudes toward collaboration at the individual and organizational level. Research limitations/implications – Survey results are cross-sectional and are from respondents participating in a single state's homeland security summit. Practical implications – It is expected that results can be used to enhance collaboration at the individual and organizational levels. At the organizational level, results can be used for matching individuals with collaborative opportunities. At the individual level, results can be used for enhanced self-reflection and effectiveness purposes. Originality/value – This study provides insights on the relationship between PSM measures and collaborative attitudes. The research contributes to the body of scholarly work connecting PSM and correlates of interest.

Determinants of psychological contract breach: an empirical study of Vietnamese employees

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Tran Huy ◽  
Kiyoshi Takahashi
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Psychological Contract Breach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contract Breach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to verify the entire process of psychological contract breach (PCB). It investigates organizational variables such as organizational performance, previous employee performance, participative performance appraisal systems and leader power as the antecedents of perceived unfulfilled promises. It then examines whether perceived failure to fulfill contracts leads to the perception of PCB, and the possible moderating impacts of perceived self-fulfillment and individual differences on the relationship. Design/methodology/approach The current study uses cross-sectional design. Data have been collected from 364 full-time employees who enrolled in evening MBA courses in Vietnamese universities. Multiple regression and moderation analyses were used. Findings Participative performance appraisal, past performance, perception of leader’s power and overall organizational performance influenced perceived failure to fulfill promises, which contributed to contract breach. Furthermore, perceived self-fulfillment, equity sensitivity and self-esteem moderated the relationship between perceived failure to fulfill promises and PCB. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the study include a sampling technique which only focuses on MBA students, and cross-sectional research design. Practical implications The study confirms the role of individual traits in the PCB development. Vietnamese companies should collect information concerning employees’ personalities to focus on fulfilling promises that matter most to each type of employees. Originality/value The study distinguishes between perception of unmet promises and PCB. Furthermore, the moderating impacts of perceived self-fulfillment on the relationship between unmet promises and breach were examined.

The influence of transformational leadership on employees’ creative process engagement

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 741-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monowar Mahmood ◽  
Md. Aftab Uddin ◽  
Luo Fan
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Creative Process ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support For Innovation ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
The Impact

PurposeUsing a multi-level perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate impact of transformational leadership on employees’ creative process engagement and mediating roles of intrinsic motivation, task complexity and innovation support in the process of influence.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows a quantitative method. Using a multi-item survey instrument, a total of 400 questionnaires were distributed among employees of small and medium enterprises registered with the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh. Collected data were analyzed using structural equation model as well as factor analysis and path analysis to test the hypotheses and to assess the moderating and mediating effects of the variables.FindingsThe findings reveal that transformational leadership has a significant impact on employees’ creative process engagement. The study further shows that task complexity and support for innovation moderate the relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ creative process engagement.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the premises of interactionist perspectives on creativity, this study integrates multi-level variables to investigate leaders’ influences on followers’ creative process engagement. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on influence of transformational leadership on employees’ creative process engagement as well as the impact of both individual- and organizational-level variables.Originality/valueThe study adopts a distinct model comprising five different variables to investigate creative process engagement from a multi-level perspective, i.e., creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation at the individual level, task complexity at the unit level, and support for innovation and leadership at the organizational level. This integrated model of using predictors from multiple levels supports the theoretical assumptions that creative process engagement results from the interaction of individual-, group- and organizational-level factors.

It’s time to bring performance appraisal into the twenty-first century

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahina Javad ◽  
Sumod S.D.
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Performance Appraisals ◽  
Appraisal System ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rating Method ◽  
Modern Business ◽  
The Right

Purpose – Examines the weaknesses of many current performance appraisals and shows how to improve them. Design/methodology/approach – Draws on examples from companies such as Cisco, Google and Infosys. Findings – Shows that there are two main sets of reasons for the failure of performance management – system related and people related. System-related problems crop up while defining the performance goals or designing the appraisal system. People-related problems usually arise while discussing the results of appraisals. Practical implications – Investigates the importance of the three key elements of performance appraisal – the appraiser, the appraisal period and the rating method. Social implications – Shows how important performance appraisal can be in the modern business world where skilled and talented workers are at a premium. Originality/value – Argues that present-day organizations need to develop an ongoing process to manage employee performance, make sure the right things are being measured, and that the feedback is carried out as constructively as possible.

The impact of work-life culture on organizational productivity

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 883-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel de Sivatte ◽  
Judith R. Gordon ◽  
Pilar Rojo ◽  
Ricardo Olmos
Keyword(s):  
Labor Productivity ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Archival Data ◽  
Organizational Productivity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Original Survey ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship of work-life culture and organizational productivity and determine if it is mediated by the availability of work-life programs. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative data for the study were collected using three sources: an original survey completed by managers of 195 different companies, archival data from two databases, and archival data published in three national surveys. Hypotheses were tested using path analyses. Findings – The data reveals that work-life culture has no direct effect on labor productivity but does have an indirect effect on it, through the availability of work-life programs. Research limitations/implications – One of the study’s limitations is that its design is cross-sectional. The authors suggest that future longitudinal studies examine the impact of work-life culture on organizational outcomes. Practical implications – Practitioners should note the importance of promoting a favorable work-life culture and offering work-life programs as they enhance labor productivity. Originality/value – The authors examine the impact of work-life culture on organizational productivity, a relatively understudied relationship at the organizational level.

scholarly journals Action inquiry and performance appraisals

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Walsh ◽  
Dalmar Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Performance Appraisals ◽  
Organizational Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Appraisal Process ◽  
Action Inquiry ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Performance Appraisal Process ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Learning And Change

PurposeIntroduces the primary concepts behind the practice of action inquiry. Then, examines what current literature suggests about components of the performance appraisal process and identifies areas where applying action inquiry concepts can add a new dimension to our current understanding.Design/methodology/approachApplies action inquiry, a concept from the organizational learning and change literatures, to suggest ways to infuse meaning and mutuality into appraisal discussions to help organizational leaders and members learn and develop. Ways to do so are demonstrated through a review and discussion of seven principal research streams in the current appraisal literature.FindingsAn action inquiry approach can address many of the limitations inherent in the appraisal process and refocus appraisals as developmental tools. Potentially, appraisals can act as forums to open dialogue, invite participation and build relationships around re‐visioning one's work and career. The process can become instrumental to continual quality improvement and organizational growth suggests that a rich opportunity exists to make the performance appraisal process developmentally meaningful for individuals and potentially transformative for organizations.Originality/valueDiscusses seven themes addressed in performance appraisal research and poses new possibilities that emerge when these themes are examined through an action inquiry lens.

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