Performance Management and Training: Best Practices and Importance of Training Programs

Running Head: Performance Management and Training
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING

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Performance Management and Training
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................3
2. Discussion..............................................................................................................................3
2.1 Current performance management system.......................................................................3
2.2 Description of the formal and informal performance feedback processes.......................4
2.3 Analysis of best practices that can improve employee performance................................5
2.4 Analysis of the importance of training for meeting organizational needs and
performance goals...................................................................................................................6
2.5 Consideration for designing an effective training program..............................................7
2.6 Explanation about training and performance management role in protecting an
organization from possible litigation......................................................................................8
3. Conclusion and recommendations.........................................................................................9
Reference list............................................................................................................................11

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Performance Management and Training
1. Introduction
Management of performance and training, help companies to help their employees in
professional development. These processes help in achieving organizational objectives within
minimum time period. This study is concerned about training and performance management
processes of Walmart. Evaluation of these processes can reveal the strength of internal
stakeholders of this company that is helping them in achieving business goals. Through
effective training and managing performance, organizations can enhance job satisfaction
level and this approach motivates employees to provide their best effort in serving customers.
After reviewing the current processes within Walmart, this study includes appropriate
recommendations along with rationale.
2. Discussion
2.1 Current performance management system
Employee performance management and training in Walmart is designed in such a
way that can help them in global expansion. Employee training is a major factor in
performance management in this organization. This consists of three phases, which are
analysis, designing, and delivery. As opined by Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright (2017),
proper analysis helps in finding gaps in employee performance and setting of training goals
can be done. In Walmart, three different kinds of analysis are done that includes task analysis,
cost-benefit analysis, and organizational analysis. Management of this firm gives the most
priority to work analysis and it helps in identifying training requirements. During designing
of training result-oriented approach is taken by this company (Corporate.Walmart.com,
2019). Moreover, the delivery of training is done through coaching, on the job training and
discussion sessions. Walmart also evaluates the effectiveness of training program. As said by
Buckingham & Goodall (2015), proper evaluation helps to guide HRM in improving training
programs in the future.

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Performance Management and Training
Walmart has also adopted different measurements and standards for evaluation of
employee performance. Different standards are there for different kinds of tasks. For
example, standard of productivity is considered for employees in warehouse. Besides,
financial position of the company and decision making are the standards for managers of
Walmart (Corporate.Walmart.com, 2019). For salespersons, Walmart has considered
salesmanship as the measurement standard.
Management of employee performance in a firm can be done through proper planning
(Budworth, Latham, & Manroop (2015). Performance planning is another essential element
of employee performance management at Walmart. This is done on the basis of three
dimensions, which includes customer service, decision making and problem-solving. Retail is
a service business, therefore planning needs to be done by aligning with customer service
goals (Sargeant et al. 2015). Moreover, managers and leaders need to have proper problem-
solving skills that can help this firm for gaining competitive advantage. Emphasis on these
dimensions for performance planning has helped Walmart to create a skilled workforce.
2.2 Description of the formal and informal performance feedback processes
Walmart is currently having more than 2.2 million employees throughout the world.
The management of this company believes that providing feedback after assessing
performance of employees can help them to motivate employees. As stated by Ben-Oz &
Greve (2015), this approach of a company helps employees to identify gaps in their
performance and they try to mitigate those gaps. This company trains their employees to
adhere to feedback they receive from different stakeholders of their business. Walmart
instructs its employees to be open to both formal and informal feedback
(Corporate.Walmart.com, 2019). They train employees to develop a mindset to adhere to
given feedback for professional development. On the other hand, they encourage leaders and
managers of this company to provide honest feedback to others as per their opinion.