PM'S OF APPLE

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN APPLE

Performance management is a process which provides the feedback, accountability and documentation for performance outcomes. It helps employees to channel their talents towards the organization goals.

It basically looks about an view how the organization plans, measures, monitors and enhances its performance on different levels in order to ensure the overall success in the organization.

“The performance management system also integrates a performance development plan for the individual. This plan assists the employee to continue to develop his skills and abilities. For these plans, preference is accorded to integrated corporate university courses and internally custom designed and presented training”.

In 1995, the US government used the performance management technique to improve its regulations and to provide a sound management criterion for its employees. During the implementation process, it was observed that the new training methodology should not clash with existing government programs

APPLE: this firm has largely been driven by the culture that established by the founder Steve jobs. Apple is a successful American company, which has been in existence since 1976 .Over a span of three decades, Apple has been able to establish itself as a force to reckon with in the electronics market. The company has received a lot of admiration (both locally and globally) after it was ranked by Fortune magazine as the most admirable company in America (in 2008), and the most admirable company globally (since 2009)

Apple has a global presence in 10 countries around the world and it runs 357 retail stores in these locations. Apple is engaged in the manufacture of hardware products such as Macintosh, portable music players, personal computers (PCs) and software, networking solutions, third party digital content and related software.

The company’s most notable products include Macintosh computers, ipods, ipads and the Apple TV. Apple’s online presence is also firm, especially with the existence of a virtual marketplace where the company sells digital content through App store, itunes, iBookstore among other online platforms.

Performance Management practices at Apple:

1.Planning:

·        Goals Management :Apple goals are made known to employees immediately after organizational goals are set. This is jointly discussed by line-managers and the necessary steps taking in order to achieve such goals. However, individuals are measured based on these goals agreed on and initiated. Individuals are informed on their contribution to the achievement of the objectives of the company.

2.Appraisal: Appraisal at Apple is on-going and tends to give feedbacks to both appraiser and appraised and to serve as formal opportunity for personal counselling, motivation salary reviews and allocation of merit payments.

Staff members are accessed based on terms of objectives, tasks and results achieved based on pre-determined goals planned and agreed jointly by individuals and their line managers

The appraisal system helps the HR to determine any shortage in a particular skill, and therefore undertake recruitment to replace such efficiency. Rewards are given for good performance

Apple uses two appraisal tools for evaluating its employees performance that are

·        Peer Appraisal :It is a method of performance appraisal wherein the peers and teammates provide a unique perspective on performance. While managers are best able to assess a individual’s outcomes and results, peers provide insight into an individual’s interpersonal interactions and skills

·        360 Degree feedback :A 360-degree feedback is an employee evaluation tool that includes feedback from supervisors, subordinates, colleagues and customers It’s purpose is to create a broader view of the employee's performance based on the impact of relationships with key stakeholders. This information is then incorporated into that person's performance review

3.  Coaching: Management gives the necessary support to their staff so the they can achieve the standards and objectives of the organization, this involves review of the organizational performance plan, observing and documenting performance and giving feedback. Management tends to ensure that individuals whose performance is not up to standard are corrected and are given the necessary guidance It further includes two aspects :

Leadership & Mentoring : Leaders in Apple are supposed to lead by example, Steve Jobs was one of the greatest leaders who really impacted on apple not just technologically but also leadership, he had good leadership qualities which make employees prompt to work whenever he is involved: Leaders at Apple act as mentors and coaches, this is what we call leadership by example, and they also encourage teamwork and togetherness

Communication : Since communication is very important in every organization, Apple has a very strong skill of communicating information from top to down and the vice versa, feedbacks are given on time and the necessary steps are taking to improve performance Pros and Cons: Employees in Apple are not allowed to use social media at work, not only that but also are not allowed to make any critical comment on the company on any social media, since Apple considers its image as the centre of its success Individuals in the organization are no allowed to do anything that will destroy their image since it is the centre of their success.