Helping Others Improve Performance

Arthur E. Durfee, Cornell University

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Abstract

Behavioral science research is beginning to reveal that most individuals are motivated by work they regard as challenging and worthwhile. Their motivation is increased as they're given clear-cut responsibility with freedom to succeed or fail in their own way. The use of a performance appraisal system based on these new insights is now available. Sometimes called "management by objectives," it's a supervisory technique that can be applied by any staff member responsible for overseeing the work of other paid or unpaid associates.