Perceptual Effects of Participative, Goal-Oriented Performance Appraisal: A Field Study in Public Agencies

A participatory, goal-oriented performance appraisal (PGPA) program was implemented in six departments of a state government. In a departure from the standard but questionable practice in the field, we examined the perceptual, rather than attitudinal or behavioral, impact of the program. We found that public employee perceptions were not responsive to PGPA. Consistent with the social cognition perspective of the article, the results suggest that perceptual effectiveness of a performance appraisal program should be established before its attitudinal or behavioral impact is examined. The results also underscore the difficulties of moving participatory, goal-oriented programs from laboratory settings to the field.