Improving performance appraisals using a real‐time talent management system : The advantages of a real‐time talent management system

Purpose – Reveals how a real‐time talent‐management system (RTTMS) can improve the performance‐appraisal process using existing technologies and current HR best practices. Design/methodology/approach – Describes how a RTTMS works and highlights the factors needed for proper implementation. Findings – Explains that a RTTMS enables management continuously to document an employee's actual performance results and any other job‐related actions or behaviors that would affect the achievement of goals set for the employee or for those around him or her, all the while providing employees with the specific feedback they need. The culmination is that management can make historically accurate data‐driven decisions. Practical implications – Suggests that a RTTMS can lead to better business decisions, increased communication, higher profitability and reduced legal exposure. Social implications – Reveals if that different organizations used the same system, and opted anonymously to share their job descriptions, objectives and corresponding job codes, they would be better able to cross‐validate job responsibilities and work history. Originality/value – Argues that a RTTMS is a true system improvement because it enables employees equipped with a smartphone to communicate any changes in their job responsibilities, priorities or needs to management in real time, which allows not only for the increased validity of performance appraisals, but also for an up‐to‐date database of all job descriptions, resulting in a better quality of hire.