What can we learn from performance assessment?. The system and practice in an academic library
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610702440 |
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| Pages | 460-469 |
| Author | Junlin Pan,Guoqing Li |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
What can we learn from
performance assessment?
The system and practice in an academic
library
Junlin Pan
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA, and
Guoqing Li
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to promote a better understanding of performance
assessment (PA) as a managerial means via analyses and discussion of the system and practice in an
academic library.
Design/methodology/approach – One existing PA system of a university library is presented.
Descriptive analyses of two specific system-inherent problems, respectively: weighting scheme of the
evaluated criteria and disqualification of the immediate supervisor as rater, are conducted. The
purpose of PA is addressed with reference to PA and pay linkage. Circular supervision as an effective
element to ultimately eliminate individual errors in an administration is discussed.
Findings – The PA system and practice of CL are flawed. First, the weighting scheme of the
evaluated categories is so allocated that the least measurable category has the overriding power.
Second, the most qualified evaluator (the direct supervisor) is deprived of the numeric rating vote.
Third, the end ratings from the PA lead to unfair merit compensation decisions and salary inequity.
Finally, the system lacks a circular supervision mechanism to eliminate undefeatable power in the
administration.
Originality/value – With concreteexamples and data,this study brings to lightsome serious problems
that exist in a PA system. Via in-depth analyses and discussion of specific issues, it touches upon circular
supervision, a core element in a sound administration that needs to be adequately addressed.
Keywords Assessment, Librarians, Administration,Management effectiveness
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
In this study, PA (performance assessment) is used to refer to the system and practice
of work performance evaluations. The PA system is the specified mechanism
(e.g. objectives, participants, procedures, criteria, rating scales etc.) that is used to guide
and regulate the process of performance evaluation. The PA practice is concerned with
how PA is actually implemented and carried out in an organization. In the citation of
literature, such terms as appraisal, evaluation, and review are used interchangeably
with assessment.
PA has been a management topic covered by mainly library educators, person nel
staff and library administrators (Aluri and Reichel, 1994). However, its wide
application in libraries and its impact on library employees has made it a common
concern of not only administrators but also librarians in general.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
27,6/7
460
Received 29 May 2006
Revised 9 June 2006
Accepted 12 June 2006
Library Management
Vol. 27 No. 6/7, 2006
pp. 460-469
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120610702440
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