Using performance management to drive employee engagement in the public sector

This chapter explores the role of performance management as a driver of employee engagement in the public sector. We examine the relationship between performance management and employee engagement, provide a brief overview of the concepts of employee engagement and performance management, and explore the challenges of, and approaches to, both concepts in the public sector, including a brief review of the efforts of the USA and UK governments to use performance management to foster employee engagement. We discuss research and recommended best practices in five areas of performance management: goal setting, feedback and recognition, employee learning and development, mid-year and annual appraisal, and a climate of trust and empowerment. We conclude with a brief review, and advocate for the use of performance management to drive employee engagement in the public sector.