Performance Appraisal &
Counseling
Learning Objectives
• Understand the nature, purpose, objectives, and benefits of performance
  appraisal and counseling in organizations.
• Explain different methods and processes involved in performance appraisal
  and counseling;
• Apply counseling techniques to address performance issues and motivate
  employees.
    PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL:
           Nature, Purpose, Objectives and Benefits
   Performance appraisal is a systematic and periodic
process by which an organization evaluates and
documents how well an employee is performing their
job in relation to pre-established criteria and organizational
objectives. It involves assessing an employee’s skills,
achievements, behaviors, and overall contribution to
the organization over a specific period.
                                             Focus: measuring and
                                           improving employees’ actual
                                             performance and future
                                                    potential
Involve 3 steps: setting work
standards; assessing employees’ actual                                   Also called performance
                                                                         evaluations, performance
                                                                                    performance
performance; against set standards; &
                                                                           reviews, development
                                                                          reviews
provide feedback to employees to improve
deficiencies                                                             discussions, or employee
                                                                                 appraisals.
                                             Performance
                                              Appraisal
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
           • For organizations: employee assessments
             provide insight into an employee's
             contribution, enabling management to
             improve working conditions, address
             behavioral issues, recognize employee talents,
             support skill and career development, and
             improve strategic decision-making.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
     1. Aligns Individual Effort with Organizational Goals
•   Employees’ work becomes directly linked to broader strategic objectives.
•   Encourages a results-oriented culture.
•       2. Supports Workforce Planning and Talent Management
•   Identifies high performers for succession planning.
•   Flags underperformers for further support or corrective action.
•       3. Improves Communication and Transparency
•   Creates a structured environment for open dialogue between supervisors and employees.
•   Builds trust and clarifies workplace dynamics.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
•     4. Facilitates Decision-Making
• Informs HR decisions such as:
   •   Promotions
   •   Transfers
   •   Salary adjustments
   •   Contract renewals
   •   Disciplinary actions
•    5. Enhances Organizational Performance
• Continuous feedback and development lead to higher productivity, better service
  delivery, and more innovation.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
         • For employees: performance reviews are a way
            to recognize and thank them for their
            achievements, find opportunities for promotions
            or bonuses, help them get training or education
            to advance their careers, find areas where they
            can improve, encourage and involve them in their
            career development, and start conversations
            about long-term goals.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
•   1. Clarifies Expectations
• Employees understand what is expected of them in terms of goals, competencies, and
  behavior.
• Sets a clear direction for performance and career growth.
•     2. Constructive Feedback
• Regular feedback helps employees recognize their strengths and identify areas for
  improvement.
• Prevents performance issues from escalating.
•     3. Career Development
• Performance reviews often lead to training, mentorship, and promotion opportunities.
• Employees can request or receive developmental support based on their performance gaps.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals serve a dual purpose for both organizations and employees.
•    4. Motivation and Recognition
• Acknowledging high performance boosts morale, job satisfaction, and
  engagement.
• Serves as a psychological reward, reinforcing positive behavior.
•     5. Improved Self-Awareness
• Through self-assessment and feedback, employees gain insight into how
  they are perceived and where they stand professionally.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals also aims to:
              Provide helpful information to help make decisions
              regarding transfers, promotions, terminations, etc.
              Supply the necessary data to identify employee
                                                       employee
              training and development program requirements.
              training and development
              Help make confirmation/acceptance decisions
              regarding employees who have completed a
              probationary period.
What are Performance Appraisals Used For?
Performance appraisals also aims to:
         Help make decisions regarding raising an employee's
         salary, offering incentives, or changing variable pay.
         Clarify expectations and facilitate communication
         between managers and subordinates.
         Help employees realize        their   whole   potential
         performance level.
         Collect relevant employee data and keep the records
         for various future organizational purposes.
Methods of Performance Appraisals
    Traditional   Modern
     Methods      Methods
        Subjective
                     Focus more on
        manager-
                       objectivity
         centric
        Typically     Employee
       focusing on   development
           past      and strategic
       performance    alignment
Methods of Performance Appraisals
 Traditional     Modern
  Methods       Methods
                                                              Management by Objectives (MBO)
                   Ranking Method                       Popularized by Peter Drucker.
   Employees are ranked from best to worst.             Employees and managers jointly set goals, which
   Useful in small teams but becomes difficult and      are periodically reviewed.
   demotivating in larger groups.                       Emphasis on measurable outcomes, enhancing
                                                        motivation and accountability.
                  Graphic Rating Scale                   Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS)
   Employees are rated on traits like punctuality,      Combines       quantitative   and       qualitative
   teamwork, communication, etc. using a numerical or   assessments.
   descriptive scale (e.g., 1 to 5).                    Uses specific examples of behaviors anchored to
   Simple, but may be prone to rater bias.              performance levels (i.e. communication skills)
Methods of Performance Appraisals
 Traditional     Modern
  Methods       Methods
                                                                   360-Degree Feedback
               Critical Incident Method
                                                      Input    from     multiple    sources:     peers,
   Managers maintain records of positive and          subordinates, supervisors, and sometimes
   negative incidents related to each employee.
                                                      customers.
   Supports behavior-based feedback, though it
                                                      Offers a comprehensive view, reduces bias, but
   can be time-consuming and subjective.
                                                      needs careful implementation and follow-up.
           Checklist and Weighted Checklist           Human Resource (Cost) Accounting Method
   Managers tick off pre-defined statements that      Evaluates employee performance based on the
   describe employee behavior.                        monetary contribution to the organization.
   Weighted versions assign numerical value to each   Often used in financially-driven decision-
   item.                                              making like promotions or restructuring.
   Methods of Performance Appraisals
Traditional                                Modern
 Methods                                   Methods
                                                  Psychological Appraisals
              Essay Method
                                           Conducted by trained psychologists to
 Managers write a descriptive assessment
                                           assess interpersonal skills, leadership
 of employee performance.
                                           potential, emotional intelligence, etc.
 Allows qualitative feedback but lacks
                                           Used for succession planning, high-
 consistency.
                                           potential employee programs, etc.
Performance Appraisal: Philippine Context
• Performance appraisal for Philippine government employees is primarily
  governed by the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS),
  mandated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and adopted by all
  government agencies since 2012. The SPMS is designed to objectively assess
  employee performance by linking individual outputs and competencies with
  organizational goals, ensuring employees contribute effectively to public
  service
Performance Appraisal: Philippine Context
Key features of the performance appraisal system include:
 • Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) Form: Each
    employee has a performance contract specifying targeted outputs and
    performance standards for the rating period, serving as the basis for
    evaluation.
 • Performance Monitoring: The system requires continuous monitoring and
    evaluation throughout the rating period, not just at its end, allowing timely
    corrective actions to keep projects on track
Performance Appraisal: Philippine Context
Key features of the performance appraisal system include:
 • Competency Assessment and Development: The appraisal also assesses
    employee competencies against job requirements. Identified gaps lead to
    learning and development interventions to support career advancement.
 • Rating Scale and Criteria: The CSC memorandum circular sets adjectival
    ratings such as Outstanding, Very Satisfactory, Satisfactory, and
    Unsatisfactory, based on the extent to which employees meet or exceed their
    targets. For example, "Outstanding" is given when an employee exceeds
    targets by at least 50%, while "Very Satisfactory" is for exceeding targets by
    at least 25%
Performance Appraisal: Philippine Context
Key features of the performance appraisal system include:
 • Use of Results: Performance ratings serve as objective bases for rewards,
   promotions, training, and administrative actions, making the system purposive
   rather than arbitrary.
 • Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS): Complementing the SPMS, the
   PBIS provides financial incentives like Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) and
   Productivity Enhancement Incentives (PEI) to motivate exemplary individual and
   unit performance.
 • Legal and Policy Framework: The system is supported by CSC guidelines and the
   Salary Standardization Law 3, which institutionalizes performance-based incentives
   in the government sector
          Performance Appraisal Process
 The performance appraisal process typically follows a structured cycle to ensure consistency,
 fairness, and strategic alignment.
Step 1: Establishing Performance Criteria
•Define KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and goals that align with the employee’s role and
organizational strategy.
•Should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Step 2: Communicating Expectations
•Managers discuss performance standards and expectations with employees.
•Encourages goal ownership and alignment.
Step 3: Monitoring and Documentation
•Ongoing observation, regular check-ins, and documentation of performance.
•Tools like performance journals and real-time feedback systems are increasingly used.
          Performance Appraisal Process
 The performance appraisal process typically follows a structured cycle to ensure consistency,
 fairness, and strategic alignment.
Step 4: Evaluation
Formal evaluation based on the chosen method(s): rating scales, MBO results, BARS, etc.
Can be self-assessed, manager-assessed, or 360-degree evaluated.
Step 5: Feedback and Counseling Session
A structured conversation where:
     Results are shared
     Strengths and gaps are discussed
     Constructive feedback is given
     Developmental actions are planned
          Performance Appraisal Process
 The performance appraisal process typically follows a structured cycle to ensure consistency,
 fairness, and strategic alignment.
Step 6: Action Planning and Goal Setting
Identify training needs, promotions, projects, or coaching based on performance.
Goals for the next review cycle are collaboratively set.
Step 7: Follow-Up and Review
Periodic check-ins to evaluate progress and provide ongoing support.
Keeps employees engaged and aligned with their performance targets.
          Performance Appraisal Process
 The performance appraisal process typically follows a structured cycle to ensure consistency,
 fairness, and strategic alignment.
Step 6: Action Planning and Goal Setting
Identify training needs, promotions, projects, or coaching based on performance.
Goals for the next review cycle are collaboratively set.
Step 7: Follow-Up and Review
Periodic check-ins to evaluate progress and provide ongoing support.
Keeps employees engaged and aligned with their performance targets.
     Performance Appraisal Process in the
           Philippine Government
Across all government agencies, including DepEd and CHED, the Strategic Performance
Management System (SPMS) follows a 4-phase cycle:
 PHASE 1: Performance Planning and Commitment
 •Objective: Align individual and team goals with agency’s strategic priorities.
 •Process:
     • Employees, along with their immediate supervisors, define Key Result Areas
       (KRAs), Objectives, Success Indicators, and Targets.
     • Commitments are documented in:
         • IPCRF: Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form
         • OPCRF: Office Performance Commitment and Review Form
         In DepEd, performance planning is aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for
         Teachers (PPST).
     Performance Appraisal Process in the
           Philippine Government
Across all government agencies, including DepEd and CHED, the Strategic Performance
Management System (SPMS) follows a 4-phase cycle:
 PHASE 2: Performance Monitoring and Coaching
 Objective: Ensure ongoing alignment, support, and early intervention if issues arise.
 Process:
     Supervisors provide regular feedback, conduct coaching, and update documentation
     of accomplishments.
     Tools like Mid-Year Review, logs, and Monitoring Tools (e.g., classroom observations,
     teacher evaluations) are used.
     Performance Appraisal Process in the
           Philippine Government
Across all government agencies, including DepEd and CHED, the Strategic Performance
Management System (SPMS) follows a 4-phase cycle:
 PHASE 3: Performance Review and Evaluation
 Objective: Measure actual accomplishments against targets.
 Process:
     Employees submit accomplishment reports (e.g., MOVs – Means of Verification).
     Supervisors rate the performance using the Rating Scale:
          5 – Outstanding                 3 – Satisfactory    1 – Poor
          4 – Very Satisfactory           2 – Unsatisfactory
     Final scores are reviewed by the Performance Management Team (PMT) for calibration and
     fairness.
     Performance Appraisal Process in the
           Philippine Government
Across all government agencies, including DepEd and CHED, the Strategic Performance
Management System (SPMS) follows a 4-phase cycle:
 PHASE 4: Performance Rewarding and Development Planning
 Objective: Recognize good performance and address gaps.
 Process:
     High performers may receive:
          Step increments, awards, incentives, or scholarships.
     Poor performers undergo performance improvement plans (PIP) or coaching
     interventions.
     Development interventions are documented in the IDP (Individual Development
     Plan).
DepEd follows a Results-Based
 Performance Management
 System (RPMS) aligned with
           PPST.
In CHED and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), appraisal is based on
faculty roles:
Category                           Description
                                   Classroom performance, student evaluations,
Instruction
                                   peer reviews.
Research                           Publications, paper presentations, citations.
Extension Services                 Community involvement, training programs.
                                   Creative works, innovations, income-
Production
                                   generating projects.
Governance/Administrative Work     Committee membership, leadership functions.
PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
           Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Performance Counseling is a proactive HR practice aimed
at helping employees overcome performance-related
challenges. It focuses on improving behavior, mindset, skills,
and productivity through guided conversation and support. It is
a structured and supportive process used by managers or
supervisors to help employees recognize, understand, and
improve their job performance, behaviors, or attitudes.
     PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                    Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Characteristics:
•Developmental, not punitive.
•Involves open dialogue and mutual trust.
•Focuses on behavior and outcomes, not personal traits.
•Used both for underperforming and high-potential employees (for growth planning).
    It is:
•Manager-led but employee-centered.
•Aims to guide, not blame.
•Often a follow-up step after performance appraisal or regular monitoring.
                         Sample Scenario
Imagine an employee, Ravi, consistently misses project deadlines. During the
performance appraisal, his manager notes this trend and gives him a below-average
rating in time management. Instead of just issuing a warning, the manager schedules
performance counseling with Ravi. In the session:
• They jointly identify the issue: Ravi is overwhelmed by multitasking.
• The manager suggests tools like time-blocking and prioritization training.
• A follow-up is scheduled to assess progress after 1 month.
• This integrated approach helps Ravi improve and feel supported rather than
   punished.
       PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                       Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Primary Purposes                         Description
                                         Ensure the employee understands their role,
Clarify Expectations
                                         goals, and performance standards.
                                         Identify specific issues affecting productivity,
Address Performance Gaps
                                         behavior, or results.
                                         Assist employees in setting career goals and
Support Personal Development
                                         overcoming obstacles.
                                         Deal with issues early before they affect morale,
Prevent Escalation
                                         productivity, or organizational performance.
                                         Build a stronger relationship between employee
Enhance Communication
                                         and supervisor through honest dialogue.
 PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
For the Employee:
•Improved Self-Awareness: Understands how their performance is
perceived and where to improve.
•Skill Development: Gains targeted coaching, feedback, and training plans.
•Increased Motivation: Feeling supported rather than judged can increase
morale.
•Career Growth: Sets clear direction for development and potential
promotion.
 PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
               Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
For the Organization:
Higher Productivity: Resolves issues that limit performance.
Reduced Turnover: Employees feel heard and supported, improving
retention.
Improved Team Dynamics: Counseling can resolve interpersonal conflicts
or behavior issues.
Data-Driven Decisions: Counseling records help in HR decisions like
promotion, reassignment, or training.
  PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                      Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Step 1: Identify the Need for Counseling
•Triggered by:
     • Poor performance (below expectations in
        KPI/IPCRF)
     • Behavioral issues (attendance, attitude, teamwork)
     • Career planning requests
     • Feedback from performance appraisal
In public service (e.g., DepEd or LGUs), an Unsatisfactory rating in SPMS or RPMS may trigger formal
counseling.
  PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
               Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Step 2: Prepare for the Session
✓ Review performance records, reports, attendance logs, or incident
   reports.
✓ Define clear objectives for the session.
✓ Prepare to present facts, not opinions
     PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                      Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
 Step 3: Conduct the Counseling Session
     Techniques Used:
 Approach                                        What It Involves
                                                 Give full attention, avoid interruption, show
 Active Listening
                                                 empathy.
                                                 Encourage self-reflection (e.g., "What challenges are
 Open-Ended Questions
                                                 you facing?").
 Non-Judgmental Feedback                         Focus on behavior/outcomes, not personal faults.
                                                 Jointly identify solutions, alternatives, or training
 Collaborative Problem Solving
                                                 needs.
Confidentiality must be respected—no public shaming or hallway conversations.
PERFORMANCE COUNSELING:
                   Nature, Purpose, Benefits, and Process
Step 4: Develop an Action Plan
•Agree on:
    • Performance targets to be met
    • Support mechanisms (training, mentorship, lighter workloads, etc.)
    • Timeline for review
Step 5: Follow-Up and Monitor Progress
•Regular check-ins to assess:
    • Has performance improved?
    • Are agreed strategies working?
    • Does the employee need more help?
•Document all interactions for accountability.
       Interconnection between Performance
             Appraisal and Counseling
Performance Appraisal                                Performance Counseling
Evaluation-driven                                    Development-driven
Focuses on past                                      Focuses on future
Formal & periodic                                    Informal & continuous
Measures outcomes                                    Encourages improvement
They are often integrated processes: an appraisal might highlight a need for counseling, and counseling might
lead to better future appraisals.
                        Scenario-based Application
                                                        Instructions:
Read the following scenarios carefully, choose one which you think is applicable to your current work setting (or which you can
relate more) and answer the guided questions below. This is a group-task, you can freely choose whom to work with.
• Scenario 1:
• You are the immediate supervisor of Ms. Liza, a public senior high school teacher. During the recent RPMS cycle, her
    IPCRF shows a mix of ratings:
•   Very Satisfactory in classroom management and lesson planning
•   Satisfactory in learner engagement
•   Unsatisfactory in student performance data utilization and classroom observation
•   You’ve noticed she’s been late submitting performance tasks and has shown signs of disengagement during LAC sessions.
              Scenario-based Application
Guide Questions for Scenario 1:
1. Identify three key issues based on the appraisal results and observed behavior.
2. What performance appraisal method was most likely used in this scenario? Justify your
answer.
3. Based on RPMS practices, what documents or tools would be required to support your
assessment?
4. Draft one SMART goal that could be included in her development plan.
5. Recommend a coaching or performance counseling approach to address her gaps
                        Scenario-based Application
• Scenario 2:
Dr. Santos is a full-time Assistant Professor at a public university. She teaches 4 undergraduate courses per semester and has
been with the institution for 5 years.
• In her latest Faculty Performance Evaluation, the following issues were noted:
• Instruction: Received low student evaluation scores (3.2/5) in terms of classroom engagement and communication skills.
• Research: Has not produced any research output in the last two years despite a minimum university expectation of one
   publication per year.
• Extension: Participated in only one university outreach program over the past 3 years.
• Peer Review: Peers noted her resistance to collaborative work and reluctance to join department-initiated projects.
• Despite this, Dr. Santos maintains regular attendance, submits grades on time, and is compliant with administrative tasks.
Her overall rating was “Satisfactory”, just above the threshold for faculty development eligibility.
                Scenario-based Application
Guide Questions for Scenario 2:
1. Identify three key performance issues observed in Dr. Santos’ evaluation results and
behavior.
2. What performance appraisal method was most likely used in this scenario? Justify your
answer.
3. Based on standard SUC or CHED faculty evaluation systems, what documents or tools
would be required to support the assessment of Dr. Santos’ performance?
4. Draft one SMART goal that could be included in her performance improvement or
professional development plan.
5. Recommend a coaching or performance counseling strategy that could help Dr. Santos
address her performance gaps and regain academic engagement.
.
                           References
• https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-performance-appraisal-methods-
  process-article
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343814014_FACULTY_PERFO
  RMANCE_EVALUATION_SYSTEM_OF_STATE_UNIVERSITIES_AN
  D_COLLEGES_IN_THE_PHILIPPINE_EASTERN_VISAYAS_REGIO
  N
• https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/performance-review-
  counselling/100884371