A proposed methodology for evaluating the quality of performance management systems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for evaluating the quality of an organization's performance management system. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a theoretical development based in extant literature, using a field study to illustrate the application of the methodology in assessing the quality of the performance management system of the case company. Findings The study presents performance management systems as a network of interconnected elements instead of elements that follow a lineal sequence. The more consistently aligned the elements of this network, the more likely it is to be able to influence behaviours and decisions in desirable ways. Originality/value The methodology overcomes the two limitations of previous studies. First, it uses a holistic approach and does not focus on specific tools; second, it assesses the quality of the system, not from future company results that might be influenced by other variables, but from the consistency and alignment of the elements of the system.