Performance Management

Performance Management System


There are six critical components of performance management in Boise State University's Performance Management Program. These have been identified as vital to quality performance management and have become our guidelines.


Guidelines

1) Establish key job responsibilities - A critical element and first step in performance planning is to define the primary purpose and responsibilities of the position.


2) Review established performance objectives - This is a review of objectives that gave the employee focus and direction for the review period.


3) Review employee performance - Core performance standards arre core competencies and critical work behaviors that are necessary for job success and ensure consistency across Boise State University. All classified and professional staff employees are to be evaluated on these core performance factors. The core performance factors are just the major headings or categories of the standards. The core performance standards are expanded definitions of the performance factors. There are two sets of performance factors and standards - one set for all employees and the second set are additional factors and standards for those employees who are supervisors/managers (see below). Additional standards may be added by supervisorsadministration (the employee must be notified of any changes). See tables below.


4) Summarize Performance and Assign an Overall Rating - An overall summary and rating of the employee's performance during the rating period is completed for all employees. This allows supervisors to recommend successful completion of probationary periods (for classified staff only), to summarize performance, to support merit increases, and to identify employee development opportunities. The University recommends supervisors rate each performance standard that supports and justifies one or provide an overall rating.


5) Establish Performance Objectives for Next Rating Period - These are mutually developed and recorded by employee and supervisor. They provide direction and outline job expectations for the future. They link to goals and objectives of the team, department, and the mission of the University.


6) Review Employee Development Plans - This component is the responsibility of both supervisor and employee. Together they develop strategies that allow development of skills, knowledge, and abilities that lead to improved job performance. Employee development provides avenues for increased job satisfaction and for reaching one's full potential within the job.


Below are two tables showing performance factors with accompanying standards.



Employee Performance Standards

Core Performance Factors
(Major Headings or Categories)

Core Performance Standards
(Expanded Definitions of Factors)

Customer Service

Describes how well the employee works with internal and external customers to achieve desired results and maintain positive customer relationships and professional image. Employee expected to be polite and efficient in working with customers.

Interpersonal Skills

Describes how well the employee establishes and maintains effective work relationships. Demonstrates sensitivity to others and has good communication and listening skills.

Dependability

Describes how well the employee completes assigned work in a timely manner, keeps commitments, is accountable, and stays balanced under pressure. The employee meets attendance requirements.

Quality

Describes the employee's work in terms of consistency, thoroughness, and accuracy. The employee supports and participates in continuous improvement in work processes, services or products. Demonstrates ethical dealings, effective problem solving skills and meets quality standards set by supervisor.

Productivity

Describes how the employee manages and completes workload expectations by setting and following priorities, using time effectively and achieves work goals. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to do the job.

Adaptability/Flexibility

Describes how well the employee adapts to change and is open to new ways of doing things. Demonstrates willingness to learn and apply new skills or methods in completing work assignments or projects.

Work Environment/Safety
Compliance with laws, policies and procedures

Describes how well the employee promotes and supports a respectful workplace. Demonstrates support and compliance with general conditions of employment, EEO, security, and workplace safety policies. Demonstrates ethical behaviors and decision-making and compliance with appropriate federal, state laws, SBOE and University policies and procedures.

 

Supervisor/Manager Performance Standards

Core Performance Factors
(Major Headings or Categories)

Core Performance Standards
(Expanded Definitions of Factors)

Managing Performance

Describes how well the manager sets clear, consistent job expectations, gives active and concrete assistance and instructions, and provides effective and timely feedback /coaching about performance. Demonstrates fair dealings with employees. Deals firmly and appropriately with performance problems. Conducts staff performance evaluations in a timely and constructive manner.

Communication

Describes how effectively the manager shares information, builds relationships, and influences positive outcomes. Demonstrates good collaboration and listening skills and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Decision Making/Problem Solving

Describes how well the manager makes timely and rational decisions based on analysis of relevant information/data. Accepts responsibility for decisions and takes proper action when necessary.

Results Focus

Describes how well the manager targets and achieves expected outcomes, established performance expectations and goals, supports and contributes to continual quality improvements that support Boise State University strategic vision and department mission and goals.

Customer Focus

Describes how well the manager fosters and models a commitment to customer service, builds customer confidence and increases customer satisfaction.

Work Environment/Safety
Compliance with laws, policies and procedures

Describes how well the manager promotes and supports a respectful workplace; complies with and supports general conditions of employment, EEO, security, and workplace safety policies. Models ethical behavior and decision-making and ensures compliance with appropriate federal, state laws, SBOE and University policies and procedures.


Classified Probationary Periods and Performance Management

Performance Management Program components are required to be used for classified entrance, promotional and voluntary probationary employees. Probationary periods are set by the State Division of Human Resources (DHR) and Idaho Code for a period of 1,040 hours. Classified employees must be evaluated at a minimum of once during the probationary period to determine if they have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.


Probationary periods are considered the time that supervisors confirm if their hiring decision was a good decision and the employee is a good fit for the position. This is the time supervisor should expect a new employee to be putting their best foot forward. If there are problems such as attendance or reliability during a probationary period, these typically increase if permanent status is granted. Boise State University strongly encourages supervisors to carefully consider permanent status certification.


The entrance or promotional probationary period may be extended. To request an extension, contact a HRS Employee Relations Specialist at 426-1616. Classified employees must be evaluated annually after attaining permanent status. Evaluation notices are sent to department managers by Human Resource Services. Late evaluation notices will be sent to the attention of the department director and should be noted in the supervisor's evaluation. Chronic late evalutions may be brought to the attention of the Provost or appropriate Vice President.


Performance expectations, responsibiliites, and objectives of the job should be communicated throughout the probationary period and reflected in the performance evaluation. The PDQ (Position Description Questionnaire) is referenced as a guide and resource for outlining these items. This will assist the employees to understand the classified employee's requirement of the job and know whether they are meeting those requirements.


Professional Staff Evaluations

Professional staff evaluations are due annually on March 1. Departments can vary formats on professional staff templates as long as they include the core standards, rating levels, and criteria.


Evaluations must include the Employee Performance Evaluation Summary form. In addition, they must utilize the rating format and criteria, and use the Performance Standards. Evaluation notices are scheduled by HRS and automatic reminders are sent to advise supervisors when they are due. Additional or special evaluations can be conducted or scheduled any time. Contact an Employee Relations Specialist at 426-1616 to coordinate this requirement.


Four-Level Overall Rating

The Performance Management Program uses four overall rating levels. Those levels are:

  • (3) EX Exemplary Performance (Significantly Exceeds Expectations) - This employee demonstrates performance that results in significant accomplishments that may not have been otherwise achieved.
  • (2) SS Solid Sustained (Exceeds Expectations) - This employee is very accomplished and performs above expectations in all work areas and demonstrates consistently proficient and solid performance in meeting deadlines, using critical thinking skills, and creativity to accomplish tasks, projects, and objectives.
  • (1) APS Achieves Performance Standards (Meets Expectations) - This employee meets job expectations. OR This employee is developing new skills and gaining new knowledge.
  • (0) DNA (Unacceptable) (DNA) - This employee's performance needs improvement and/or is inconsistent or unacceptable.


Linking Merit Pay to Performance Considerations

The entire performance narrative and summary are a critical link to merit pay considerations for classified staff depending on funding. Compensation decisions may be made on an annual basis and communicated to employees and supervisors. The general guidelines for linking performance appraisals to merit pay are:

  • Consistency in comparing performance is attained by using same performance ratings (criteria). The four levels are: "Exemplary", "Solid Sustained (Exceeds Expectation)" "Achieves Performance Standards," and "Does Not Achieve Standards".

  • Rating evaluations and appraisals should provide sufficient descriptive comments with examples to justify and support pay decisions.

  • Performance appraisals must be completed and on file with HRS within the last twelve months.

Next Topic: Setting Expectations

 

 

Last reviewed April 2007