Performance improvement - Definition and Overview

In Organizational development, performance improvement is the process whereby the organization looks to modify the current level of performance in order to achieve a better level of output.

Performance defined

Performance can be thought of as Actual Results vs Desired Results. Any discrepancy, where Actual is less than Desired, could consitute the performance improvement zone.

Levels

Performance improvement can occur at different levels:

• an individual performer
• a team
• an organizational unit
• the organization itself

Cycle

Performance management and improvement can be thought of as a cycle:

1. Performance Planning where goals and objectives are established

2. Performance Coaching where a manager intervenes to give feedback and adjust performance

3. Performance appraisal where individual performance is formally documented and feedback delivered

Also see

• Feedback
• Test
• Analysis
• Development

External links

• http://www.opm.gov/perform/sitemap.asp
• Employee Performance Reviews (http://www.vmmg.net/vertical-marketing-resources/employee_performance_reviews_examples.shtml)