Knowledge that Transforms

This article argues that “acceptability” is a key issue relevant to the success of 360 degree appraisal processes. They present conceptual arguments to show how a customer-supplier relationship (CSR) perspective provides a useful means of depicting possible 360 degree linkages, as well as discussing the types of raters and ratees for whom acceptance of the process is important. A categorization scheme then provides the primary factors relevant to acceptance of the process. These factors include: (1) organizational characteristics and (2) CSR characteristics and appraisal context. Comparisons are made between customers and suppliers in terms of their probable acceptance of 360 degree appraisals.1

Conceptually, a central aspect of “strategic HRM” is the integration of the HR function with strategic decision making. Little is known, however, about the factors that influence integration or its subsequent effects. Using data from 148 diverse organizations, it was found that strategic type and whether or not top management views employees as strategic resources were associated with integration, but that labor market munificence and organizational growth were not. The results concerning the relationship between integration and performance were surprising; integration was associated with a lower evaluation of the HRM function by top management.