Setting Performance Standards: A Review of Related Literatures and Identification of Future Research Needs

Because performance standards are used for evaluation by many organizations, this paper considers aspects of the standard-setting process that influence affective and behavioral reactions of job incumbents. Literatures used to specify future research needs and directions in the use of performance standards examined educational standard setting, goal setting, feedback and framing, performance appraisal, utility analysis, and job satisfaction. This report outlines research suggestions and specific hypotheses when possible concerning the ease of internalization of external performance standards, the definitional content of standards, the difficulty levels of performance standards, and the communication of standards. Implications within the organizational context of the U.S. Army are also considered.