Description of the Unit

This unit, which is particularly appropriate for students interested in the human resources field, teaches principles of performance interviews.  The performance interview is designed to provide employees with on-going assessments of their productivity and to gather evidence necessary for retention and promotion decisions.   By completing this unit students will be able to:

1) explain how theoretical and legal principles apply to performance interview situations
2) select a review model appropriate for the purpose of the performance interview
3) structure the interview
4) prepare for a performance interview as an employee
5) plan and conduct a disciplinary interview.

Relevant Chapter

Chapter 10: The Performance Interview

Potential Activities

• Have students interview local human resources professionals about performance interviews used by their company.  Students' oral or written reports should discuss the purpose of the performance appraisal, the general model of the appraisal, and other pertinent issues.

• Have students interview managers about strategies used in disciplinary meetings and interviews.  Their report should discuss relevant company policies and the procedures used in disciplinary actions. 

• In groups, have students plan a performance review policy for your college and/or university.  This policy should be targeted toward all teaching staff.   The policy should describe the review model, the purpose of the review, the procedures used for the review, and potential outcomes of favorable and unfavorable reviews.  This assignment could be altered or expanded to include policies on disciplinary procedures for faculty.  This assignment can also be adapted to focus on other career fields students would be familiar with.

• Have students select a company or career field.  They should conduct research to determine the typical appraisal model used and then draw conclusions concerning the appropriateness of that model for that particular career or company.   Their findings can be discussed in written or oral form.

Daily Lesson Plan