Performance Evaluation: When Targets Create the Wrong Behaviour

Performance Evaluation: When Targets Create the Wrong Behaviour

From 'PERFPOD' and 'PM in the PM' by Richard Guyver - Performance Management Tutor

December 29, 2025 · 9 min · Season 1 · Episode 16

About this episode

This episode explores how poorly designed performance targets can lead to dysfunctional behaviour in employees.

Performance measures are meant to improve performance — but what happens when they do the opposite? In this episode, we explore a real-world style scenario involving Ken and Barbie, two employees in the same organisation, and a well-intentioned performance target that ends up driving dysfunctional behaviour. Using this story, we break down: How employees “game” poorly designed targets What ACCA PM means by dysfunctional behaviour How this links directly to the Building Block Model A must-listen for ACCA PM/APM students looking to strengthen their evaluation skills and avoid common exam traps.

People in this episode

Host: Richard Guyver

Topics covered

  • performance evaluation
  • dysfunctional behaviour
  • performance targets
  • employee behaviour
  • evaluation skills

Keywords

  • performance measures
  • gaming targets
  • Building Block Model
  • ACCA PM
  • evaluation skills
  • exam traps

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ACCA, ACCA PM, APM

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