PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF SYSTEM ANALYSTS

Abstract

This empirical study examines the relationship between the cognitive profiles of MIS managers and its effects on their appraisal of system analysts. It tapped the minds of computer managers in Singapore. to arrive at a list of dimensions of work behaviour that can be- considered as primary traits or qualities that are essential the making of good system analysts. An attempt is then made establish whether managers of a certain cognitive profile place greater emphases on these work dimensions. The survey is executed through questionnaires mailed to EDP or MIS managers in organisations with at least a minicomputer-scale of operations. Organisations which have only personal computers are excluded. The first two parts of the questionnaire aim to elicit the cognitive style of the respondents through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The next section of the questionnaire is a list of some common traits that have a direct bearing on a system analyst's job performance. The respondents are asked to grade these traits according to degree of importance. The different appraisal variables were grouped into eight underlying dimensions of work behaviour. These dimensions are: personal qualities, work attitude, planning and problem solving ability, compliant attitude, leadership, technical skills, communication skills and human resource development abilities. Student-T tests are then used to determine the presence of any relationships between the cognitive profile of a respondent and the degree of importance he would accord the different dimensions during appraisals. The results indicate that only two of these dimensions, compliant attitude and leadership, are influenced by the cognitive makeup of the computer manager.