Performance Management: Putting Research into Action

Outcomes of Contextual Behavior

Contextual performance can enhance productivity in a variety of ways (Podskoff & MacKenzie, 1997). For example:

• Interpersonal support, such as teaching co-workers useful skills or offering suggestions, may enhance co-worker productivity in the immediate situation and over time, as “best practices” are shared throughout work groups and departments.

• Interpersonal facilitation, involving cooperative and courteous treatment of co-workers, might aid in a manager’s productivity by reducing time or energy spent on group-maintenance activities.

• Employee compliance with organizational rules and procedures allows managers to focus on tasks that do not involve disciplining or closely monitoring subordinates.

• Suggesting ...