EMPLOYEE REACTIONS TO PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - A REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROPOSITIONS

Although the use of evaluative performance standards is common in most organizations, research in our field has focused almost exclusively o n selection standards (and predictor cut-off scores), rather than stan dards for subsequent performance. This review considers aspects of the performance standard-setting process that influence incumbents' job r eactions, specifically in terms of motivated performance and job satis faction. We draw upon the following literatures to specify future rese arch needs and directions: goal setting, feedback and framing, perform ance expectations, job satisfaction, and utility analysis. The result is an outline of research propositions concerning the acceptance of pe rformance standards, the content of performance standards, the communi cation of standards, and the difficulty levels of those standards.