Performance Appraisal: A Supervision or Leadership Tool?

Although there is substantial literature on the use of performance appraisal in the for-profit sector, there is little literature available concerning the appraisal of staff positions in American higher education. This study provides a detailed look in a population of 108 colleges and universities. Dissatisfaction was found with the appraisal process due to (a) lack of leadership support, (b) supervisors not being held accountable for the timely completion of appraisals, and (c) the lack of training provided supervisors for doing performance appraisals well.