SYED KAZIM presents how performance appraisal proves to be very effective if it is implemented in a family or in an organisation.
Performance Appraisal is a method with which the job performance of an employee is documented and evaluated. It is the process with which a manager or consultant examines and evaluates an employee’s work behaviour by comparing it with present standards, documents the results of the comparison, and uses the results to provide feedback for the employee to show where improvements are needed and why. It is a process of measuring the quantitative and qualitative performance of an individual’s past or present against the background of his expected role performance and the background of his work environment.
Performance Appraisal is all about assessing the performance of an individual and deciding his future based on his current performance. The existence of a Performance Appraisal system is necessary to make someone accountable. The entire concept of Islam is based on accountability as this life of ours is just a test. Allah says in the Qur’ān, “Indeed, We created man from a drop of sperm mixture that We may test him; and We made him hearing and seeing” (Qur’ān 76:2). Allah also says in the Qur’ān, “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” (Qur’ān 2:155). Thus, we cannot have any test without a performance appraisal, so one strives to be obedient because he will be accountable for his deeds.
Performance Appraisal is also done to identify the level of promotion which has to be given to a particular individual and which will be based on his previous performance. Allah says in the Qur’ān, “See how We have bestowed more on some than on others (in this world); but verily the Hereafter is more in rank and gradation, and more in excellence” (Qur’ān 17:21). The verse states that there are innumerable levels of rank and gradation in the realms of paradise; and each fortunate dweller of paradise will be allotted their due rank and gradation according to the level of their belief and deeds, and above all, from the mercy and grace of Allah.
Allah has also said in the Qur’ān, “For all will be (ranked) by degrees according to what they did” (Qur’ān 6:132). In a hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) advised the people to supplicate to Allah to grant you ‘Al-Firdaus’ which is the best and the highest part of Paradise. Thus, having different levels of rewards will help in doing justice as the level of the deeds will be different.
On the other hand, the people who commit sin will land in Hell. Hell has various levels of heat and punishment and each is reserved according to the extent of their disbelief and sins of those being punished. Allah says in the Qur’ān, “Surely, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire” (Qur’ān 4:145). The verse explains that the lowest level of Hell, the greater is the intensity of heat. Since the hypocrites will suffer the worst punishment, so will they be in the lowest part of Hell. By this we can conclude that both Paradise and Hell consist of different levels. Similarly, when we want to promote or demote people in the world, we should also have various levels by which it should be done and not all of a sudden.
Zul Qarnain went on conquering country after country and finally he reached the Turkish nation. The idea was placed in his mind that he is in such a position that if he wanted to punish a nation he was powerful enough to do so or he could treat them with kindness. Then what he said is recorded in the Qur’ān. “He said, “As for one who wrongs, we will punish him. Then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a terrible punishment. But as for one who believes and does righteousness, he will have a reward of Paradise, and we will speak to him from our command with ease”” (Qur’ān 18:87-88).
Zul Qarnain decided that he will punish only those who would be found to be committing wrong acts; no one will be unjustly penalised. And on the other hand, the people who have indulged in righteous deeds will be rewarded. Thus, the concept of performance appraisal was implemented by Zul Qarnain; it is recorded in the Qur’ān.
Allah says in the Qur’ān, “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing” (Qur’ān 4:58). The verse speaks about two important things, trust and the criteria for judgement. First, when a person is generally given a task, it is given with an amount of trust, and it becomes the duty of the person to exert utmost effort to fulfil the trust. Secondly, it states that when we are judging people, it should be based on justice. The second aspect is a principle which has to be followed when implementing the performance appraisal system.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) promoted many companions to higher positions based on their performance. For example, he promoted Bilal as the Secretary of Treasury of the Islamic State of Medina, Musab bin Umair as the Ambassador of Islam, Hamza as a Battalion Commander, Khalid ibn al-Walid as Commander-in-Chief, and much more.
Valuating the performance of an individual is very important. It not only helps the employer but also the employee to understand and know where he stands. A person will only be motivated to work and behave in a desired manner when he has the reward and punishment right in front of him. Many people come forward to indulge in good deeds because of the reward which they are expecting and many people abstain from committing some acts only because of the fear of punishment. Rewarding an individual for his good performance will make him perform much better in the future. Thus, the concept of performance appraisal will prove to be very effective if it is implemented in a family or in an organisation.