Functional Evaluation

Managers can be evaluated on their ability to perform the basic management functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Questions are asked which help pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the manager in each area or in each function.

Example: PLANNING

How effective is the manager in:

Similar questions are asked for all other managerial functions.

Advantages:

•    It reveals specific weaknesses or strengths in the individual’s performance, e.g. is he good at delegation, communication or scheduling.
•    It can pinpoint specific areas where the manager needs further training.
•    Has wide applications and is simple and straight forward.

Disadvantages:

•    It is subjective therefore not free of bias emanating from the personality of the evaluator e.g. the perception of what is average is not the same for all evaluators.
•    Does not relate directly to actual performance or actual results, the fact that a manager’s performance of the managerial functions is above average does not mean he is attaining organizational goals.