Individual job performance: Propositions for a personalized measurement and a comprehensive diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: Individual job performance is an important phenomenon for organizations but is difficult to measure and often with restricted diagnoses. The aim of this study was to present a set of general indicators of individual performance at work that contemplate different dimensions of this construct to support a personalized measurement and a comprehensive diagnosis. Originality/value: It presents a set of items, composed of eight behavioral categories, that allows for a comprehensive approach to work performance and a personalized way of measuring it in different professional areas and roles. Design/methodology/approach: This work followed a theoretical stage and an empirical one. In the former one, the theoretical model was chosen, the construct was operationalized, and job performance scales’ items were selected. In the empirical stage, the items were classified, selected, and adapted according to the dimensions of the chosen theoretical model, based on judges’ analyses (n = 16), expert panel (n = 6), and semantic validation by professionals (n = 9). Findings: The study generated 56 items for measuring job performance, divided into eight dimensions, according to the theoretical model adopted. Its use will allow a careful measurement of performance, with comprehensive diagnostics on the topic. Additionally, the findings allow academics and managers to raise the level of the debate about the construct to favor theoretical and methodological advances in the area.