Performance Management Case Study Review Chapter 2 ✓ Solved

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Performance Management Case Studyreview Chapter 2 And Then Read

Performance Management - Case Study Review Chapter 2 and then read the scenario below. Scenario Suzan has worked for Organization ABC for one year. During her 30-day review, Suzan received amazing scores from her supervisor. During her 60-day review, Suzan’s performance was deemed as acceptable, but her ability to communicate with her colleagues was lacking. During Suzan’s 90-day review, Suzan’s supervisor, at the time, expressed that her performance needed serious improvements.

Unfortunately, Suzan’s supervisor noted the following: Suzan did not provide her colleagues with messages from customers and vendors. Suzan’s phone skills were ineffective, especially when interacting with customers. Suzan’s temper was a concern and she often raised her voice when she became frustrated. You have been hired to replace Suzan’s previous supervisor. Between Suzan’s 90-day review and presently (her annual review), you have noticed that Suzan’s performance still is a problem.

Before her departure from the organization, Suzan’s past supervisor stated, “Suzan is nice; however, she is a horrible communicator. I cannot work with her, as she is such a challenge to deal with… Good luck, as Suzan is one of the worst employees of Organization ABC.” During your first week in your new role as supervisor, you met with Suzan to understand more about her performance. She stated, “I am a hard worker; however, I only was told what I was doing wrong. I am willing to learn. Can you help me become the best employee for Organization ABC? I want to succeed in this role.” As a supervisor, you know that you have various responsibilities. One of your responsibilities is to address performance deficiencies. Although Suzan was provided with a job description, which included detailed information about the critical nature of communication in her role, she needs additional support. Examine pages 79 and 80 in your textbook. Then, create a plan, specific to Suzan’s needs, detailing how you will utilize the following to ensure improved performance: Observation and documentation Updates Feedback Resources Reinforcement. For example, when thinking about observation and documentation, what might you do to keep track of Suzan’s performance? Why? When thinking about updates, how will you keep Suzan updated? Explain and justify your rationale for each of the five components and why you made the recommendations that you provided. Your well-written paper should meet the following requirements: 6 pages in length, which does not include the title and reference pages. APA style guidelines. Support your submission with course material concepts, principles and theories from the textbook and at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The effective management of performance in an organization is crucial for its overall success. One common challenge in performance management is addressing deficiencies in communication skills, as seen in the case of Suzan, an employee at Organization ABC. This paper outlines a comprehensive performance improvement plan tailored to Suzan's specific needs, utilizing five key components: observation and documentation, updates, feedback, resources, and reinforcement.

Observation and Documentation

To address Suzan's communication issues, systematic observation of her daily interactions is essential. As her supervisor, I will implement regular observation sessions where I will analyze her communication during meetings, phone calls, and emails. This documentation will not only highlight areas of improvement but will also serve as a basis for constructive feedback. According to Smither et al. (2005), consistent observation allows for the identification of specific performance issues and aids in creating targeted development plans.

Moreover, maintaining a performance log will be beneficial. This log will include notes on Suzan's interactions with colleagues and clients, instances of effective communication, and situations where her approach could be improved. This structured documentation will help track her progress and areas needing further attention (Sonnentag & Frese, 2002).

Updates

Keeping Suzan updated on her performance and development is vital for her growth. I will schedule bi-weekly one-on-one meetings where we discuss her progress, share successes, and identify challenges. These meetings will serve as an opportunity to provide her with real-time feedback and to clarify any misunderstandings or areas where she feels uncertain.

Additionally, I plan to utilize a digital platform where performance metrics, feedback, and personal reflection can be documented and shared. This will give Suzan constant access to her performance data and help her take ownership of her development (London, 2003).

Feedback

Feedback is one of the most critical components of performance management. It must be specific, timely, and actionable to be effective (Kluger & DeNisi, 1996). I will follow the "sandwich" feedback technique, where I begin with positive observations about Suzan's skills, followed by areas of improvement, and concluding with encouragement and acknowledgment of her effort. For example, I might say, "Suzan, your dedication to learning is commendable. However, I've noticed that your communication during customer calls could be clearer. I know you can improve on this with practice. Let’s work together to develop those skills."

Constructive feedback should also include practical examples and suggested improvements, allowing Suzan to see the direct link between her behavior and management's expectations. According to Hattie & Timperley (2007), effective feedback can improve performance and enhance motivation.

Resources

Providing Suzan with resources tailored to her development need is essential. I plan to enroll her in communication skills training focused on customer interaction and problem resolution. Workshops and role-playing scenarios can create a safe space for her to practice and refine these skills (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2006). Additionally, pairing her with a more experienced colleague who exemplifies excellent communication can provide mentorship and practical on-the-job training.

Access to literature or e-learning modules on effective communication strategies can also provide Suzan with continuous learning opportunities, reinforcing her skills outside the structured environment (Chao et al., 1994).

Reinforcement

Reinforcement involves recognizing and rewarding improvements in performance. As Suzan begins to demonstrate her enhanced communication skills, it is crucial to acknowledge her efforts to foster a positive environment. This can include public recognition in team meetings or tangible rewards such as gift cards or additional responsibilities that align with her interests. Positive reinforcement has been shown to increase the likelihood of repeat behaviors (Skinner, 1953). Furthermore, it can open new avenues for Suzan to explore within the organization, contributing to her long-term career satisfaction and growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this performance improvement plan for Suzan emphasizes observation and documentation, regular updates, constructive feedback, resource provision, and reinforcement strategies as crucial components for addressing her communication deficiencies. By carefully implementing these strategies, I am hopeful that Suzan will significantly improve her performance at Organization ABC, transforming her from a struggling employee into a valuable asset, and ultimately contributing positively to the overall objectives of the organization.

References

  • Chao, G. T., et al. (1994). “Research on Training and Development in Organizations: Theoretical Contributions and Practical Implications.” Journal of Management.
  • Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). “The power of feedback.” Review of Educational Research.
  • Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2006). Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
  • Kluger, A. N., & DeNisi, A. (1996). “The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory.” Psychological Bulletin.
  • London, M. (2003). “Job Feedback: Giving, Seeking, and Using Feedback for Performance Improvement.” Workforce Development.
  • Smither, J. W., et al. (2005). “Performance appraisal: State of the science and future directions.” Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
  • Sonnentag, S., & Frese, M. (2002). “Performance changes and performance feedback.” In Theories of Performance.
  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan.

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