Managers in Local Government strongly advocate regular performance appraisals for staff while recognising the need for further training in appraisal techniques.
Research released on 23 February by Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) reveals the current practices in performance management among Local Government managers. Conducted by the Adelaide Graduate School of Business (AGSB) in 2006, the research was auspiced by the LGMA in conjunction with McArthur Management Services.
LGMA wished to know more about current performance management practices among Local Government managers.
Dr Sam Wells, who oversaw the research for the AGSB said that the themes that emerged from the research revolved around four key issues:
- establishing commitment and setting standards
- linking performance management to organisational planning cycles
- shared accountability for performance and effectiveness
- training of managers in performance management and appraisal techniques.
“This research will provide LGMA with an excellent framework to respond to this important management issue,” Dr Wells said.
Speaking at the launch, Commonwealth Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb, commended the LGMA on release of the Current Practices in Performance Management and stressed the importance of better performing workplaces delivering services to communities.
“LGMA is taking on the recommendations of the research findings and running a workshop with Generation X and Y employees to consider the application of performance management and appraisal techniques,” said Bruce Davidson, National LGMA President. “We will draw the workshop participants from the various Emerging Leaders programs run by our State divisions, and then use the outcomes of the workshop to develop and roll out in conjunction with our divisions a package of national training programs on performance management and appraisal techniques for supervisors and managers.”
For further information contact John Ravlic, Chief Executive of LGMA, on 0411 744 654.
