Many human resources consulting firms offer services in the area of performance appraisal, including advice on how to install systems, how to use 360-degree feedback, and which forms to use. Assume that you have just taken the position of senior human resource executive for a large manufacturing business and believe that its current performance appraisal system is totally inadequate. Your plan is to scrap the current system and replace it with a new one. Because you are both quite busy with other problems and also have little direct experience with performance appraisal, you are interested in engaging the services of a consulting firm.
Using a search engine, do a Web search of the key terms "performance appraisal," "performance assessment," "performance management," and any other version of the term that you think is appropriate. Locate several consulting firms that look like they might offer the services you need. Review each site thoroughly, and then narrow your list down to the three firms that look the most promising. Finally, list the additional information you would want to have before selecting one.
Questions
- What role does the Internet play best when selecting a consulting firm for a job such as this one?
- How realistic do you think the information on the Web truly is for reviewing and selecting a service provider for a purpose such as this one?
- Compare notes with your classmates and see whether any of you chose some of the same firms. Compare your evaluations.
