ABSTRACT
Whether it occurs as an informal process or as part of an elaborate formal performance management system, the evaluation of worker performance by supervisors and others in the work environment is an integral part of work life. Clearly, the success of an organization depends, in part, on the effectiveness with which organizational members carry out their work responsibilities. Formal evaluations of the contributions of individual workers provide important information that can guide decisions and actions aimed at increasing organizational effectiveness. In addition, the interdependent nature of worker, coworker, and supervisor work roles provides a natural incentive for supervisors and coworkers to be sensitive to the performance of other workers because it may have implications for their own ability to accomplish work and reap organizational rewards. Thus, informal appraisal of worker performance is likely to occur on a continuing basis, even in the absence of formal performance appraisal systems.
