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Performance appraisal in child welfare: comparing the MBO and BARS methods.
Abstract
Child welfare agencies are striving to develop performance standards and appraisal methods that are both job related and measurable. Using the program area of child protective services as an example, the challenges of developing performance appraisal systems in child welfare are discussed. Two of the most promising approaches to performance evaluation are described. The first method, management by objectives and results (MBO/MOR), builds upon the workload standards approach in that individual performance objectives and their standards are mutually developed by workers and their supervisors to supplement program-wide standards. Central to the MOR appraisal plan are specification of key responsibility areas, indicators of achievement, and use of measurable performance standards. The plan also incorporates performance targets for both job output and personal development. The second evaluation approach, the behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) method, is developed by identifying key job responsibilities for a position. Supervisors rate subordinates using a number of scales, with each scale addressing a particular job responsibility. The scale for each responsibility is divided into a number of values ranging from low to high; each value is assigned one or more statements that are used as behavioral "anchors" to describe the value. Examples of the application of these two methods in child protective services are provided, and the methods are compared in terms of their utility for child welfare and other social service jobs. MBO/MOR appears to be the approach most readily suited to use in child welfare agencies. (Journal abstract, edited).
Journal
(1988)
vol12
no1
pages55-72
Categories
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Personnel
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Performance Appraisal
