A case study of performance appraisal in a SME: moving on from the tick-box generation

This research studied performance appraisal in a small and medium enterprise (SME) operating in the building and manufacturing sector. The SME consists of a parent company and three subsidiary companies. The research was conducted across all four companies by using questionnaires and interviews. The overall aim of the research was to discover the impact of the SMEs performance appraisal system on employees’ work motivation. This research set out to help the SME identify any issues it has with its existing appraisal system, and to help mangers understand any post-appraisal consequences affecting employees. The research looked at how managers are using appraisal to motivate their staff. This investigation aimed to help the SME to move on from the ‘tick-box generation’ when carrying out employee performance appraisals.