Use of Appraisals in Identifying Progression Interest
Contingency Planning : Organisations can identify employees who are genuinely interested in taking on more responsibilities by incorporating discussions about their career objectives and goals into performance reviews. In terms of contingency planning, this information is essential for swiftly identifying prospective successors in the event of unexpected future leadership gaps, offering insights into employees’ career objectives and willingness to take on new responsibilities (Ackerman, Van der Waldt, and Botha, 2018).
Risk Mitigation : Using appraisals reduces the likelihood of succession planning failures by offering an organized approach for identifying and assessing employees’ suitability for advancement. Through performance appraisals, firms can evaluate both the current abilities of employees and their potential for growth and development. This helps to create focused development programs to bridge skill gaps and prepare employees for future leadership roles, lowering the risk of promoting individuals who are not fully prepared.
Developing Talent Pools
Contingency Planning : Developing talent pools involves identifying and fostering/nurturing a group of high-potential employees who can fill crucial roles when needed (CIPD, 2023). In contingency planning, a well-established talent pool provides a ready reserve of individuals with the skills and potential to fill critical roles in the event of sudden vacancies caused by unforeseen events such as resignations, retirements, or emergencies, reducing the risk of leadership gaps and ensuring organisational continuity.
Risk Mitigation : Developing talent pools helps reduce the risk associated with unexpected turnover or the abrupt absence of key personnel (Ackerman et al., 2018). Organizations that proactively identify and develop individuals with leadership potential lessen their reliance on external recruitment and limit disruptions caused by abrupt staff changes. This strategic talent pipeline ensures that individuals are ready to step into critical roles, reducing the risk of talent shortages.
