Instructions: HR professionals are often asked to critique current systems and modify them to meet the changing needs and objectives of the organization. This assignment asks you to critique an appraisal system and offer your suggestions for how it should be changed.

Read the following background information on Darby Gas & Light and review the appraisal form currently being used by company (see page 2). Then, answer the questions on page 3, making recommendations regarding the revision of the performance appraisal form.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR DARBY GAS & LIGHT

Steve Shakely is the CEO of a moderately sized public utility, Darby Gas & Light. He employs about 250 professionals (e.g., engineers, systems analysts) and support staff, including 25 managers. His firm recently started using a new appraisal system that consists of yearly formal reviews between managers and subordinates using the rating form illustrated on the next page. All employees are rated by their immediate supervisor once a year, and these ratings are used to make administrative decisions (e.g., promotions, merit increases, transfers, terminations, demotions) and to provide feedback to employees. Mr. Shakely has hired you as an external consultant to review the appraisal form and offer your recommendations for the form and the appraisal system.

Darby Gas & Light: Employee Evaluation Form

Employees Name _________________________ Supervisors Name _______________________

Date of Review: ___________________ ________________ Date of Feedback: _________________

Instructions:

This appraisal form is to be used with all employees of Darby Gas & Light, including supervisors. Raters should circle one number on the scales below to indicate the employees level of performance on the dimension. Dimensions marked with an asterisk must be evaluated for all supervisory employees. After completing the ratings for the employee, be sure to schedule a feedback session with the employee to review the ratings.

		Low		Average		High
	Job Knowledge	1	2	3	4	5
	Decision Making	1	2	3	4	5
	*Motivating Others	1	2	3	4	5
	Dependability	1	2	3	4	5
	*Leadership	1	2	3	4	5
	Problem Solving	1	2	3	4	5
	Communication	1	2	3	4	5
	*Planning and Organizing	1	2	3	4	5
	Teamwork, Cooperation	1	2	3	4	5
	*Employee Development	1	2	3	4	5
	Professional Development	1	2	3	4	5
	Appearance and Work Habits	1	2	3	4	5

Questions

1. List what you regard as the major problems with the appraisal form and the overall appraisal system at Darby. What recommendations do you have about changing the form and overall appraisal system?

• APPRAISAL FORM
• • Problems
• • Recommendations
• APPRAISAL SYSTEM
• • Problems
• • Recommendations

2. Do you think the rating form would be useful for providing feedback about employee strengths and weaknesses? Why or why not?