Title: Employee performance management systems in Belgian organisations: purpose, contextual dependence and effectiveness

Authors: Koen Dewettinck

Addresses: Core Faculty, HRM Centre, Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School, Reep 1, BE-9000 Gent, Belgium

Abstract: In this study, it is proposed that a PM system|s purpose can be positioned on a bipolar continuum from a strong performance orientation to a strong development orientation. Further, it is suggested that PM system purpose relates to industry characteristics and also the PM system|s effectiveness in terms of increasing performance and fostering employee development and motivation. Analyses based on data from 319 Belgian organisations reveal that organisations operating in more competitive markets tend to have a PM system with a stronger performance oriented purpose, at the expense of a stronger development-oriented purpose. Relating PM system purpose to PM system effectiveness, our studyindicates that PM systems with a stronger development-oriented purpose are more effective in fostering employee development and motivation. In contrast, the strength of a PM system|s performance-oriented purpose did not relate to higher effectiveness in terms of increasing performance at various levels.

Keywords: employee performance; human resource management; HRM; performance management; Belgium.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2008.017761

European Journal of International Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.2, pp.192 - 207

Published online: 02 Apr 2008 *

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