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Formal Analysis of Performance Appraisal Systems and the Rochester Fire Department

The issue was that a formal analysis had never been conducted by the Rochester Fire Department (RFD) concerning the merits of periodic performance appraisals of its members. The purpose of this study was to consider the multiply aspects of performance appraisals, and to determine if a performance appraisal system should be developed for the RFD. This was a descriptive research project. The research questions were: 1. What are the potential benefits of performance appraisals? 2. What are the potential drawbacks of performance appraisals? 3. What issues need to be considered during the development phase of a performance appraisal system? 4. Should the RFD develop a performance appraisal system? The procedures involved utilizing a feedback form to gauge the current needs and concerns of the firefighters and officers of the RFD, in relation to the adoption of a formal performance appraisal system. 95 total responses were tabulated numerically and by percentages. The results were: 68% feel a performance appraisal system should be adopted by the RFD, 47% felt their job performance had suffered because they were not properly trained, and 50% stated that they did not clearly know what the goals and objectives of the RFD were. The recommendation, based on this study, is for the RFD to develop a formal performance appraisal system. This study was conducted as an exploratory phase, and a great deal of time and resources must be expended before a performance appraisal system is adopted by the RFD.