Mini-Game

Option

Objective

To discover the advantages and disadvantages of two different approaches to formal appraisal of employees.

Problem

Ms. Y and Mr. X are in complete disagreement regarding the best way to appraise their employees. Mr. Big, tired of the conflict, decides to let the five employees in Supervisor Joe's department resolve it.

Procedure

Everyone in the class or seminar reads the following material. The five players then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach from their point of view as employees being appraised. After the discussion, they vote on the approach (that of Ms. Y or Mr. X) they prefer.

Ms. Y's Technique

Ms. Y prefers the nondirective, soft approach. She likes to sit down in a nonthreatening manner, and quietly discuss and settle on the rating of each factor without any advance preparation from either party. She feels that when employees fill out their own appraisal forms in advance, they tend to defend each rating they give themselves, and the interview may turn into an argument. Her approach is to ask the employee what rating she or he feels is right. If she agrees, they move on quickly; if not, they talk it over. Ms. Y frequently gives in, but she argues that her concession is not a “whitewash” job. She believes that through open discussion, employees sense their own shortcomings. Other pressures are not necessary. Her ratings are consistently higher than those of Mr. X.

Mr. X's Technique

Mr. X takes a more directive, hard approach. He follows the procedure of giving the appraisal instrument to each employee a few days in advance, asking that it be completed and brought to the interview at the scheduled time. In the meantime, he spends considerable time completing the same form independently. The interview consists of comparing forms and adjusting differences. When Mr. X feels he is right, he takes a firm stand and presents all possible data to back up his lower or higher rating. He does, however, make some adjustments when justified. He is always complimentary on high ratings, strives to be fair, and takes time to tie the procedure to long-term career plans.

Postgame Discussion

Which supervisor would you prefer to rate you? Why? Discuss how each technique might be improved or how a combination of both could be more effective.