Performance appraisal and career opportunities: A case study

Based on powerful survey data from an international oil company in Norway, we explore perceptions of performance appraisal and career opportunities among leaders and employees. Perceptions indicate that performance and payoff is better balanced among women than among men. Moreover, the connection between perceived achievement and appreciation is strengthened by time of service for leaders, but not for employees in non-managerial positions. Finally, perceptions of performance appraisal and career opportunities depend on characteristics of the local work environment, with positive influence from key phenomena like change capability, competency focus, trust and identity.

Key words: Performance appraisal, career opportunities, survey data, probit models