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Despite the negative opinions often expressed about performance management, OPM survey results show that the performance management practices of Federal agencies are, for the most part, perceived positively.
OPM's Merit System Principles Questionnaire (MSPQ). OPM annually administers the MSPQ to a random sample of Federal employees to determine if agencies are adhering to the Merit System Principles established in section 2301 of title 5, United States Code.
Many of the MSPQ questions address specific performance management principles and practices, such as set-ting goals and expectations; monitoring, developing and appraising performance; and recognizing good performance while addressing poor performance. The survey spotlights performance management practices that are working well and those that need improvement.
Successful Performance Management Practices. The overall results for performance management practices were favorable. For the purpose of this article, we have divided performance-related questions into three categories:
A. Setting goals and expectations. Responses to the survey indicated that employees have very positive feelings about:
Chart A shows the responses to the questions about set-ting goals and expectations, which included:
Monitoring, Developing, and Appraising Performance. On the questions dealing specifically with monitoring, developing, and appraising individual and work unit performance, the results show employees think these processes are working well in their agencies.
Chart B shows the responses to the following survey questions:
C. Areas That Need Improvement Not all performance management areas were rated highly by employees. Employees did not feel that awards were always based on merit, that employees were always included in their unit's planning process, or that their supervisors dealt with poor performers.
Chart C shows the responses to the following questions:
Overall, the survey results show that employees are satisfied with their jobs, know what is expected of them, and receive the training and information they need to per-form successfully.
Originally published on Summer 2001.
This page can be found on the web at the following url: http://www.opm.gov/perform/articles/2001/sum01-3a.asp