Appraisal system - motivational tool or unnecessary bureaucracy. Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of appraisal system as a tool for motivation

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of an appraisal system within a small independent hotel, on motivational levels of staff, and the levels of bureaucracy involved within the process. Research was conducted on employees of one of the small privately owned country house hotels within the South Wales area. Primarily secondary data has been researched to gain insight into different motivational theories and gain background knowledge of what appraisals are and impacts they can potentially have on a company. Secondly, three in-depth face to face interviews had performed with employees of the hotel, each on different levels of hierarchy within the company. Thirdly a survey was conducted on 11 of the full time employees to validate the interview findings and to gain more insight into attitudes of the staff toward the system. The interviews uncovered that the main reason for implementation of the appraisal system was to communicate business needs to the employees as well as to develop individuals within the company. Development and motivation were listed as the two main reasons for implementation of the system by the staff. The research has uncovered that motivation is not a primary reason for implementing the system in the hotel, but the outcomes of the appraisals contributed to the higher levels of motivation of the employees. The research also concentrated upon the paperwork and time of the appraisals. It had uncovered that even though the appraisals were bureaucratic in design and were time consuming, the company recognised the benefits it had on the employees and the implementation has been worthwhile and justified.