Evaluation models serve a great many purposes in a company. Most models look to measure efficiency, competence, effectiveness, and many other factors, basically from the standpoint of what is and what should be. The different types of evaluation models in common use include management, judicial, anthropological, and consumer. Each one serves a different purpose and is most likely handled by different individuals. Not all of the models may be present at one time or have a purpose at all in the business.
Management evaluation models look at how well a manager or supervisor works. This individual’s role in the daily governance of his or her responsibilities is typically under scrutiny here. In some cases, a company may engage in responsibility accounting. The manager is only responsible for the action under his or her direct supervision, with the most important factor being the capital gained or spent in his or her department. Owners and executives tend to be the evaluators in this model as they watch over lower management.
Judicial models can sound a bit more threatening than they really are. Most companies use these evaluation models to handle problems, most likely with individuals. An employee review that may result in punishment or other measures tends to be a judicial evaluation model. A company’s personnel director and an immediate supervisor tend to direct this model. These evaluations can be quite tricky if handled incorrectly as legal issues can result from poorly taken actions by the company.
A company can use anthropological evaluation models to review its culture and the employees working in the business. This model looks for any issues or problems that can result in long-term effects. These models are often difficult to complete as they take a lot of time and effort. In most cases, companies take a qualitative approach here. Owners and executives are not typically looking for hard numbers but simply a review of the beliefs and feelings of those working for the company.
Consumer models are what they sound like: a review on those individuals who patronize the business. Companies can create internal evaluation models or use those prepared by outside reviewers. Either way, the information gleaned from this model helps the company increase market share. It may also allow the company to gain feedback for business operations. This allows the company to be better than it was before.