Title: Performance appraisal practices in Bangladesh: the role of culture

Authors: Hafiza Sultana; Tahsin Kabir; Mahmud A. Shareef

Addresses: ReLight Research, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh ' Bashundhara Group, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh ' North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

Abstract: Although existing human resource management literature has investigated the link between performance appraisal and culture, research based on smaller economies in Asia is limited. With a multiple case study approach, this paper analysed the performance appraisal process of five organisations in the private sectors of Bangladesh. It also examined how cultural dimensions, namely, assertiveness, in-group collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and future orientation, influence the appraisal practices. The findings show that pioneer domestic firms are in the initial stage of transition to performance management from performance appraisal, while weaknesses, such as single-source rating, a lack of performance feedback, and an absence of documentation for performance monitoring, exist in general. In addition, recent changes in employee assessment systems reflect shifts in the national culture. This study contributes to the literature that combines performance appraisal and culture, especially in the context of an emerging economy. It also offers managerial and policy implications.

Keywords: performance appraisal practices; national culture; cultural dimensions; performance appraisal systems; performance management; human resource management; HRM; case study; emerging economy; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2023.130167

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2023 Vol.28 No.4, pp.472 - 488

Received: 07 Jul 2021
Accepted: 13 Nov 2021
Published online: 05 Apr 2023 *

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