Performance management and appraisal

This chapter places performance management within the context of HRM, outlining the strategic significance of performance management in its broadest form, right through to an individual’s performance appraisal meeting. It begins with an overview of the conceptual links between HRM and performance improvement, as in high performance work systems (HPWS) and the attempts to quantify the contribution of HRM to organisational results. Then the importance of measuring performance in the hospitality industry, and the need for both quantitative and qualitative approaches, is outlined, taking into consideration recent environmental challenges faced by hospitality employees. The latter part of the chapter is devoted to the actual appraisal systems and procedures, from the preparation to the appraisal meeting itself, with practical guidance on how to undertake such a meeting and the different styles and systems which can be adopted.