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(Cover Page ) University Centre : - IACM. Code No : - 1503 TO STUDY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONVERGYS By A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Business Administration Of Sikkim Manipal university, INDIA

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Page 1: ankar project

(Cover Page )

University Centre: - IACM.

Code No: - 1503

TO STUDY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONVERGYS

By

A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for

Master of Business Administration

Of Sikkim Manipal university, INDIA

Sikkim-Manipal university of Health, Medical and

technological sciences

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Distance education wing

Syndicate house

Manipal -576119

(Student Declaration)

I here by declare that the project report entitled

TO STUDY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONVERGYS

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

degree of

Masters of business Administration

To Sikkim-Manipal University, India, is my original work

and not submitted for the award of any other degree,

diploma, fellowship, or any other similar title or prizes.

Place: New Delhi ()

Reg. No: 520854748

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(Examiner’s certification)

The project report of

NAME:SADHNA YADAVReg.No: 520854748

TO STUDY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONVERGYS

Is approved and is acceptable in quality and form

Internal Examiner External

Examiners

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(University Study Center Certificate)

This is to certify that the project report entitled

TO STUDY HUMAN RESORUCE MANAGEMENT IN CONVERGYS

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

degree of

Masters of Business Administration of

Sikkim-Manipal university of Health, Medical and

technological sciences

Has worked under my supervision and guidance and

that no part of this report has been submitted for the

award of any other degree, Diploma, Fellowship or

other similar titles or prizes and that the work has not

been published in any journal or Magazine.

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Reg.No:520854748

Center Code No:1503

Semester: IV

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Table of Contents

Pg

1. Executive Summary 7 – 10

2. Company Profile 11 – 17

3. Introduction To Competency

What are Competencies?

The competency Iceberg

The Competency Model

18 – 24

4. Methodology 25 – 25

5. Phase I: Developing a Competency Based

Interviewing Guide

Background

Competency Based Interviewing (CBI)

Competency Based Interviewing Model

26 – 44

6. Phase II: Designing Competency Based

Performance Management System

Introduction

Competency Based Performance

Assessment

45 – 56

7. Phase III: Developing Career Progression 57 – 70

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Path for Support Function

Introduction

Career Progression Program

Support Staff Career Progression Program

Recommendations

8. Bibliography 71 – 71

9. Competency Based Interview Guide 72- 102

10. Performance Appraisal Form & Competence and Appraisal Guide

103-115

11. Appraisal Process 116-150

12. Growth Chart 151-155

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Executive Summary

A Competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual

that is causally related to criterion-referenced effective and/or

superior performance in a job or situation. The word

competency is widely used in business and personnel

psychology. A competency is also something you can measure,

and lists of competencies form a common language for

describing how people perform in different situations. Every

job can be described in terms of key competencies. This means

that they can be used for all forms of assessment, including

appraisals, training needs analysis and of course, selection. At

Convergys India, a Competency Framework consisting of 15

Competencies was developed and each role in the organization

was mapped to the same.

The project on HR Management has been carried out on behalf

of Convergys India. It has been carried out in three phases,

focusing on three areas of Competency-based applications:

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Recruitment & Selection: Competency Based

Interviewing guide

Performance Management System: Performance

appraisal Process

Career Planning: Career Progression Program for

Support staff

The first phase of the project involved developing a

Competency Based Interview guide, wherein questions were

framed based on each competency, that would focus on

interviewee’s past demonstrated behavior and would hence

provide a sound basis for his/her future performance on the job.

In the second phase of the project, a competency based

Performance appraisal form and Guide to the appraisal

process were developed. The appraisal form emphasized not

only on the employees behavioral performance based on the

competencies identified, but also on the employee performance

based on accomplishment of objectives set for the appraisal

period. It also focuses on identification of Training &

Development needs of the employee based on the gaps

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identified during the appraisal process, and mutually setting of

goals/objectives for the next appraisal cycle. The appraisal

guide elaborated on the purpose of the appraisal process and

the use of the appraisal form.

During the same process, a ‘Competency Guide’ was also

developed which provides a platform to carry out any activity

in the organization based on identification of competencies.

The guide explains how different competencies are identified at

Convergys, how various roles in the organization are mapped

to each competency and how these competencies will be

further used in different organizational processes.

The Performance Appraisal Form and Competency Guidelines

so designed have been approved and consequently rolled out in

the organization.

The Final phase required developing a Career Progression

Program for the Support function in Convergys India. This was

in addition to the existing Career Progression Program (CPP)

for the Operations department. The Support Staff Career

Progression Program is designed to provide career growth

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opportunities to staff members within their current jobs, to

identify potential promotional opportunities, as well as to link

pay opportunity to what individuals actually do on the job.  The

foundation of this program is the Skill and Competency Model.

A systematic mapping exercise would be carried out to show

how existing qualifications fit with the proposed career

progression framework In addition to the suggested “Growth

Chart” for the Support function; some useful

recommendations were given to the company with respect to

Career Progression Plan for all employees at Convergys India.

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I. Company Profile

Convergys is an international business process outsourcer with

particular expertise in customer management.

It develops and implements a range of outsourcing solutions

for many leading organizations in   the commercial, financial

services, utility and public sectors. These include

transformational outsourcing, combining our skills in

consulting, technology and outsourced service provision to

stimulate and facilitate business change and flexibility.

Convergys is part of United Utilities plc, a FTSE 100 company.

In 2001, the company launched a strategic alliance with Cap

Gemini Ernst & Young. The agreement provides a powerful

combination of outsourcing and IT skills and experience that is

unique in the UK.

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In December 2002, we acquired UK contact center operator,

7C and the shareholding of 7C India, in which GE Capital has

a strategic investment.

Services

Outsourced services include:

Customer management outsourcing

Business services outsourcing

Transformation and technology 

The Convergys Mission

“To work in partnership with our customers to transform public

service delivery, and continually improve services to the

citizen on the basis of best value.”

Values

Convergys is trusted by many leading organizations to manage

millions of customer interactions every year. It differentiates

through the following brand values, but to support their

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clients' cultures they embed and communicate their brand

values to their customers. They are the sum total of everything

they want their clients to feel and think about them.

Passionate about service

Efficient and effective

Proactive innovators

Results focused

Experts plus

Their core values shape the way they run Convergys and

interact as a team. They have five core values - all of which

reflect the company's founding belief that their people are as

critical to their success as are clients and their customers.

Our customers are our business

We will respect every individual in our company

We will adopt a performance focused approach

We will be flexible and decisive

Quality as a way of life

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Locations

Convergy’s head office is in Manchester and their 9,000

employees are based in 30 UK locations covering the North

West, Midlands, East Anglia, London, Wales and Scotland.

They also have offshore operations in India and Canada.

Services and Markets

As an international business process outsourcer, with particular

expertise in customer management, Convergys develops and

implements a range of outsourcing solutions for many leading

organizations in the commercial sector, financial services,

utility and public sectors.

These range from contact center operations, for example,

through to complete transformational outsourcing - combining

their skills in consulting, technology and outsourced service

provision to stimulate and facilitate business change and

deliver a step change in performance.

They work in partnership with their clients to deliver enhanced

business performance, whilst reducing costs and improving the

service and realizing the potential of customer relationships.

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Services at a glance:

Contact centres

Customer relationship management 

Telemarketing

Billing

Document handling

Payment processing

Debt management

Print & fulfillment

Finance & accounting

Human resources

Change management

Careers

Career development is fundamental to their success as a

business. It promotes a culture of continuous self-development;

provides a stimulus for personal and business growth;

complements their appraisal process; and, importantly,

supports an individual's ongoing development plans.

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Convergys is a rapidly growing company delivering business

process outsourcing services for blue-chip clients in the UK

and overseas. They continually develop leading edge IT,

telephony and processing systems that ensure they can not only

win new clients, but also deliver world-class service on behalf

of their customers.

They are therefore continually seeking to recruit motivated and

committed individuals to join their team and develop their

careers in line with their growth. Opportunities are always

available in Customer Services, Transformation and

Technology and Business Change. In addition, they have

occasional openings in our Sales, Marketing, Finance and HR

operations.

Key Facts

Convergys is an international business process outsourcer with

particular expertise in customer management.

£300 million turnover

Manages over 34 million client customer accounts

9,000 employees

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Economies through scale

204 million UK customer transactions

65 million bills and documents printed and sent out

95 million payments processed

£6 billion collected in payments

Independent accreditations

Investors in People

ISO 9001

The Convergys Promise

A flexible, scalable, multi-channel service delivered from

our Centres of Excellence

Reduced cost per employee served

Guaranteed levels of service

Improved accuracy and timeliness of critical transactions

Access to experienced Shared Service Center

practitioners who will leverage your existing Enterprise

Resource Planning (ERP) solution (HR Systems)

*****

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II. Introduction to Competency

At the heart of any successful activity lies a competence or a

skill. In today’s competitive world it is becoming particularly

important to build on the competitive activities of business.

There has been much thinking about business strategy over the

last three decades; particularly regarding what competencies a

business needs to have in order to compete in a specific

environment. Top management is identifying corporate core

competencies and working to establish them throughput the

organization. Human Resource Development builds

competency-based models that drive business results.

All organizations are talking about competencies. Some have

truly worked the concept into several of their processes. A few

have a fully implemented competency modeling and reporting

system in place. These address the development of people from

process design through succession.

The process is completely customizable. The decisions of

competency design are driven by a number of organizational

factors, including management philosophy, customer

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requirements, business needs, and in-place processes. These

factors vary from one organization to another, requiring a

customized approach to competencies in the workplace.

What are competencies?

Competencies are clusters of knowledge, skills/abilities and

underlying personal characteristics that drive resultant behavior

leading to success/superior performance on job. The stress and

due bias is towards the behavioral dimension. The word

capability is also inter-changeably used to connote this

meaning.

Competency = Ability + Willingness

The word competency is widely used in business and personnel

psychology. A competency is also something you can measure,

and lists of competencies form a common language for

describing how people perform in different situations. Every

job can be described in terms of key competencies. This means

that they can be used for all forms of assessment, including

appraisals, training needs analysis and of course, selection.

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The Competency Iceberg

It can be helpful to think of competencies in terms of an

iceberg. Technical competencies are at the tip - the portion

above the waterline that is clearly visible (and therefore easier

to assess).

Behavioral competencies are below the waterline - they are

more difficult to assess, and often harder to develop.

Behavioral competencies can be understood as manifestations

of how a person views him or herself (self-image), how he or

she typically behaves (traits), or motives him or her (motives).

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Skill: A person's ability to do something well.

Knowledge: Information that a person uses in a particular area.

Self-Image: A person's view of him or herself, identity,

personality and worth.

Trait: A typical aspect of a person's behavior.

Motive: What drives someone's behavior in a particular area?

(An underlying need for achievement, affiliation or power)

Competencies are not "add-on" responsibilities or skills.

Instead, they are a way of clarifying existing job requirements

and expectations about performance.

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A competency model describes the combination of knowledge; skills

and characteristics needed to effectively perform a role in an

organization and is used as a human resource tool for selection,

training and development appraisal and succession planning.

Identifying and mapping these competencies is rather complex. A

competency model consists of a set of competencies that have been

selected through some research process that demonstrates their

importance for success on the job.

The competencies identified for Convergys India have been listed in the Competency model below:

Succession Planning

Training Promotions

Career Planning Recruitment

Pay Decisions Work Assignments

Performance Management

Competency model for Convergys India

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Competency Model

Business & Commercial focus

Client & Customer Focus Working with others Developing others Confidence &

Communication Performance Focus Working proactively Leading others Expert Knowledge Planning & Reviewing Solving problems Creativity & Innovation Change focus Influencing others

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A competency model ensures the HRM systems:

Selection Systems All interviews are looking for the

same set of abilities and

characteristics.

Training and Development It provides a list of behaviors and

skills that must be developed to

maintain satisfactory levels of

performance.

Succession Planning It focuses on the same set of attributes

and skills relevant to success on the

positions under consideration.

Performance Management It clarifies what is expected from

the individuals.

Appraisal System It focuses on specific behavior,

offering a roadmap for recognition,

reward and possible advancement.

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This project focuses on three areas of Competency-based

applications:

Recruitment & Selection: Competency Based

Interviewing guide

Performance Management System: Performance

appraisal Process

Career Planning: Career Progression Program for

Support staff

*****

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III. Methodology

The project on Competency Mapping was carried out in

Three phases. The methodology adopted under each of

The three phases has been explained as follows:

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PHASE I: Developing Competency Based Interviewing

Guide

This part of the project required initial identification of the

competencies applicable to Convergys India. The competencies

identified apply to all colleagues, at every grade/level, and the

competencies have been harmonized from the various sets that

were being used across the business.

The competency framework

The framework is made up of 15 competencies that cover people skills, process skills, personal skills and business knowledge. They are:

1. Business & Commercial Focus 9. Leading Others

2. Client & Customer Focus 10. Expert Knowledge

3. Respecting Others 11. Planning & Reviewing

4. Working with Others 12. Solving Problems

5. Developing Others 13. Creativity & Innovation

6.Confidence & Communication 14. Change Focus

7. Performance Focus 15. Influencing Others

8. Working Proactively

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Questions based on the above competencies were framed based

on an extensive search carried out through Internet and other

reference material made available by the project guide.

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PHASE II: Designing Performance Appraisal System

As part of the competency mapping exercise, we identified the

Core competencies, popularly known as the ‘Pinkies’, which

are relevant to all employees across a particular level in the

organization. For e.g., all managers of Convergys India are

required to have ‘Performance Focus’ as their core

competency. However, the target levels under a particular

competency could vary across levels.

The exercised was further carried out to identify the

role/function specific competencies, called the Professional

competencies or ‘Yellows’, which very across employees in a

particular job position. Thus, there is no fixed number of

competencies applicable to a particular job profile. It may vary

across different levels/job positions existing in the

organization.

The outcome of the above exercise was then incorporated into

our new performance management process & form.

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PHASE III: Developing Career Progression Path for

Support Function

The third phase of the project required suggestions to be given

to the company with respect to developing a Career

Progression Program for support function. An extensive study

was carried out on the Internet and various texts were referred

for the same. The recommended Growth Chart was also based

on the existing Career Progression Program for Operations

department in the organization.

The suggested Growth Chart was then discussed with the

Training team in order to identify the training and development

needs of the employees and incorporate the Training programs

to develop a comprehensive Career Progression Program for

support function.

*****

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Phase I

Developing a Competency Based

Interview Guide

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1.0 Background

Like most properties of nature, effectiveness and competency

in workers is distributed along a continuum that takes the form

of a bell-shaped curve.

By definition, the vast majority of the work force falls in the

average, or perhaps more realistically, the "mediocre" range.

Only about one-sixth of the population on any measure of

competency and effectiveness will be found above the average

range.

These facts are essential in developing realistic expectations of

an organization’s hiring process. It is vitally important to a

successful hiring or recruitment campaign that a clear profile of

the necessary skills exists.

Research into recruitment and selection methodology suggests

that structured, competency based interviews can be one of

the most reliable and accurate forms of assessment.

A good recruitment and selection interview should assess

candidates against each essential criteria or competency,

asking questions about:

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Past behaviors and performance

Learning from past behaviors

Future adaptability to new post

Knowledge and understanding of issues in relation to the

post

It is ironic that while most hiring is done around technical

skills, most staff retention issues arise based on softer skills

such as attitude. A technical question would never reveal such

a potential behavioral flaw. When competency-based

behavioral interviewing forms the framework for the entire

recruitment process, interviewers are able to make much more

effective hiring decisions.

What will the interview be like?The interview, will in general, will be conducted as follows:

Introductions

Brief discussion of job

Competency based interviewing

Validation of technical/functional skills where necessary

Interviewee’s opportunity to ask questions

Close out/ next steps

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Note: While a competency-based interview seems very

different in certain perspectives, remember normal interview

etiquette is applicable and appropriate.

Most interviews will focus on the key areas. These will mostly

be competencies that are most important for the particular job,

but may also include other knowledge-based essential criteria.

Competencies are about finding the best "fit" between the job and the person.

Competencies are individual abilities or characteristics that are

key to effectiveness in work. Competencies are not a way of

providing a complete inventory of a person’s skills and abilities

(which would be impossible as well as undesirable). Instead,

the starting point in using competencies is always what the job

requires.

Once the job requirements have been clarified (and

competencies provide a framework for doing this), then

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competency interviewing helps interviewers look for evidence

of those requirements in each candidate.

The interviewer determines the knowledge, skills, and

behaviors (often referred to as competencies) that are essential

for success in a position.

Competencies may include: Business & Commercial focus,

Client & customer focus, Working with others, Developing

others, Confidence & Communication, Performance focus,

Working proactively, Leading others, Expert Knowledge,

Planning & Reviewing, Solving problems, Creativity &

Innovation, Change focus, and Influencing others.

Each competency contains various questions that are designed

to determine to what extent the candidate has performed

successfully in previous situations similar to those they will

encounter in the position for which they are interviewing.

Why use competencies?

It is critical that organizations assess how selections are

made. With limited promotional opportunities, and

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planned attrition, getting the right people into the right

jobs becomes more critical to our success as an

organization.

The cost of an unsuccessful selection is an expense that

organizations can’t afford

Competencies can be developed; the emphasis of a

competency-based interview is the learning agility of

applicants, and how that learning agility can be used to

assess success in a position.

Gives our organization a tool to evaluate known

quantities and see them in a different light, and evaluate

their ability to make effective contributions to the

organization.

Why Hire for Competencies?

Matching people with jobs based on both behavioral and

technical competencies results in a better job-person "fit". This

leads to greater satisfaction on the part of both the employer

and the employee.

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Objectivity

Advocates of competency interviewing say the technique in

both its versions aims to eliminate subjectivity. The intent is to

delete from selection the personal chemistry between

interviewer and candidate, as well as to minimize the

candidate's freedom to give hot-air answers. All candidates for

a position are asked the same questions.

2.0 Competency Based Interviewing (CBI)

Competency Based Interviewing is part of an overall

management system designed to identify, evaluate, train,

develop and retain competent employees. In order to succeed,

grow and flourish, all organizations must strive to attract “best

fit” candidates. They will need to train and develop these

people to their fullest potential and induce a personal

commitment to excellence.

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CBI is a Hiring System

CBI provides a consistent process and the tools to evaluate,

compare and accurately measure the technical and

personal/interpersonal (or performance) capabilities of a

candidate for any position within the organization–big or small.

As part of a highly effective management system, CBI can be

combined with an aggressive recruitment campaign and some

form of "testing" or objective appraisal of an individual's

abilities.

Behavioral interviewing is a technique that uses a structured

set of behavior provoking questions designed to determine

truth or deception. It provides a unique competitive advantage

in the search for qualified people in today's tight job market. It

enables the interviewer to quickly identify the pattern of skills

and behavior needed for success in a specific job and then

select the candidate who best fits that profile.

Prior to interview, each position is assessed for the

skills/competencies and characteristics that relate to job

success. Interview questions are then developed to probe into

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these areas. All candidates are asked the same questions and

notes are taken in order to evaluate candidates.

A Competency based interviewing guide has been developed

for the same (Refer Annexure A). Note that for each

competency, different questions are provided that tap into

different levels of the competencies.

The basic principle of interviewing for competencies is this:

Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior

In competency-based interviewing, we ask the candidate to tell

you about specific, actual past events in which he or she played

an active role. We listen for evidence that the person

demonstrated behaviors in those situations that are identical to

or similar to the competencies we are looking for. For

example, if we hear about a candidate trying to persuade a

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supervisor to change a decision, that would constitute evidence

of the Influencing others competency.

Probing for behaviors that demonstrate the competencies

should be used to get a full picture of the candidates’ past

behaviors. Probing typically includes asking what the candidate

did, said, felt, & thought and what were the outcomes of the

event. The behaviors that they recount should be compared to

the behaviors listed in the competency profile and used to

determine at which level of those critical competencies a

candidate is operating

Getting this type of information can greatly increase the power

and precision of the interview process. Specifically, this

approach is more reliable and effective than asking people to

say what they would do in a hypothetical situation.

What are the benefits of competency-based interviewing?

Competency Based Interviewing is a custom-tailored system

of interviewing and evaluation. It enables the interviewers to

select the best possible candidate for their firm and as such is

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an invaluable tool for any recruitment partner. It enhances the

reliability and validity of the process used to screen

candidates. The process is straightforward in its application,

easy to learn, simple to use and legally defensible. Based on

solid scientific research, anyone can easily apply CBI after

just one day of interviewing training.

CBI is based on two fundamental principles:

First, successful candidates have in common a cluster of skills

and abilities that can be identified and measured. These are

referred to as competencies. Competencies can be Core

competencies and/or Professional competencies.

Second, the single best predictor of future behavior is past

behavior. The candidate's work behavior historically will

predict his/her capacity for achievement in the future.

The benefits of finding a good worker are profound. You enjoy

high productivity, less turnover, great morale and a much lower

failure rate. When you hire "hard," you enjoy the genuine

pleasure of managing "easy."

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Competency Based Interviewing provides the following

benefits:

Focus ones questions. The structure of competency

interviewing helps one to be clear about what qualities

he/she is looking for in a candidate.

Tap an additional source of data. Listening to and

assessing the stories that candidates tell in response to

competency questions provides rich information one

probably would not get otherwise.

Begin thinking in terms of competency requirements for

the positions one hires for. Using the technique of

competency interviewing can help deepen ones

understanding of what will lead to successful performance

in the job for which they are being hired, and how to look

for it when interviewing.

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To sum up, Behavioral interviewing

Enhances the quality and success of the interview process

More closely matches a candidate's qualifications with job

dimensions

Improves employee performance and productivity

Is highly legally defensible and prevents post-hiring

challenges

Benefits everyone involved in the interviewing and

selection process:

The line manager, the human resources specialist, and the

applicant

Improves the management of job performance

Is accurate, efficient and highly cost-effective

Is far superior to traditional interviewing techniques

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3.0 Competency Based Interviewing Model

Following steps provides a framework to develop Competency

based Interviewing Model

Step 1: Assemble job information.

o Ask yourself: what does this person do?

o List duties and responsibilities.

Step 2: Link skills to tasks.

o Derive the skills needed to perform duties.

o Skills can be duplicated.

o Make a master list, eliminating duplicates.

Step 3: Pick the skills to interview for.

o Cross out skills that should be assessed elsewhere.

o Eliminate skills that do not distinguish superior

performance.

o Highlight questions you want to probe.

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Step 4: Develop interview questions from competencies.

o Identify target behaviors for each competency.

o Write 2-3 interview questions per competency.

Step 5: Listen for complete responses.

o Stay in control: Dealing with difficult candidates -

Situation, Behavior, Outcome.

o Use probes to obtain missing information.

Step 6: Assess

o Use structured rating materials.

o Document

o Turn downs (declines)

o Assess yourself.

*****

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Phase II

Designing Competency based Performance

Management System

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1.0 Introduction

World-class employees make global corporations. And world-

class employees need global targets to strive for. To enable our

employees to set ambitious targets, appraise them on

achievement of such targets and reward them accordingly, a

fair and objective performance management system is an

imperative. The performance system at Convergys India

integrates the organization’s vision into its strategy, goals and

achievements. It is an all-pervading system, which facilitates

linkages to sub processes like culture, values, the way we work

and the core HR processes, which moves an appraisal system

from “evaluation” to “building”. The processes are so

articulated as to ensure individual, team and organizational

goals are synergised and consistent at large. Other than

assessment of the performance of an individual, Performance

Management System helps develop the individual by giving

feedback on his/her performance, identify Training /

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Development needs, obtain information on potential of the

individual and map his / her career chart.

What is a Performance Appraisal?

 The performance appraisal is a communication tool designed

to support each individual's contribution to the organization.

The appraisal provides a way to measure skills and

accomplishments with reasonable accuracy and uniformity. It

provides a way to help identify obstacles to top performance. It

should help identify areas for professional growth.

 Each employee is entitled to a thoughtful and careful

appraisal. Its success depends on the supervisor's willingness to

complete a constructive and objective assessment, and on the

employee's willingness to respond to constructive criticism and

to work with the supervisor to overcome performance barriers.

A performance appraisal is a review and discussion of an

employee's performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

The appraisal is based on results obtained by the employee in

their job, not on the employee's personality characteristics.

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Personality should be considered only when it relates to

performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Why Appraise Performance?

 Periodic review helps supervisors gain a better understanding

of each employee's abilities with the goal to help train and

develop skills and strengths. It provides a chance to evaluate

job progress, stimulate interest and improve job performance

by recognizing productive work and by pointing out areas of

growth and development. It provides a feedback mechanism

that might otherwise be overlooked.

Performance appraisal provides information for other personnel

functions:

Compensation: Determining fixed or performance based

pay

Succession planning: Identifying candidates to replace

incumbents in other-usually higher jobs

Discipline: Probation or dismissal action

Development: Training, job assignments, or mentoring

relationships that increase employee competencies

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Career Pathing: Planning future job assignments designed

to give employees specific experiences and/or

competencies

Performance appraisal is very much about the management of

expectations. At Convergys India, these are defined and

agreed under two main headings:

As Competence requirements.

As performance requirements expressed as objectives,

the achievement of which is monitored by the use of

agreed performance measures.

A performance management system that combines planning,

management, and appraisal of both performance results and

competency behaviors is called a “Mixed model” of

performance management or a “Total PM” approach. Mixed

models assess and reward both performance and competence,

both what employees actually “delivered to the bottom line” in

the appraisal period and how they did it: the characteristics

they showed that predict superior performance in their present

job, or in future jobs.

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2.0 Competency based Performance Assessment

Competency-Based Performance Assessment is an employee

driven evaluation and development process that complements

the Competency-Based Interviewing process. It begins with the

same skills and competencies that were originally identified.

The essential job competencies that were used to select the

candidate are continually reviewed in the employee

performance appraisal process. The Competency-Based

Performance Assessment is a logical, progressive procedure

used to obtain a fair, objective evaluation of an employee's

performance.

The real strength of such a system is not in comparing people

with each other in a competitive way, but analyzing the

progress of an employee in their own sense. This then directs

attention to those areas where they are excelling or where skills

may be improved.

The competence definitions are specific, observable, and

therefore measurable, terms that clearly define the behaviors

and performance expected of employees. By structuring

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competences into increasingly complex 'levels of work' to

reflect the role holders responsibility and expected higher

levels of performance, performance appraisal rating scales

can be used to provide both expected and actual performance

improvement profiles. The same portfolio is also used to

identify development needs and plan their activities.

This process is initiated by the employee, rather than the

manager or supervisor. Thus, it produces a greater sense of

responsibility and empowerment in the employee. The

employee rates himself or herself on skill dimensions, based on

specific behavioral examples. The employee and employer

examine both the positive and negative behaviors relating to

each job competency.

A key feature of the new approach to performance appraisal as

part of the Performance Management System is that it is

concerned with inputs (competence) as well as outputs and

outcomes (results and contribution). A distinguishing feature of

the new approach to performance appraisal when compared

with merit rating is that the assessment of levels of input is job

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or task related rather than concentrating on personality traits.

Performance assessment is based on an understanding of the

knowledge, skills, expertise and behavior

Required to do a job well and on an analysis of the extent to

which the attributes and behavior of individuals meet define

criteria in each of these areas.

The following is a list of 15 Competencies used by Convergys

India in their performance appraisal scheme:

Business & commercial focus

Client & customer focus

Working with others

Developing others

Confidence & Communication

Performance focus

Working proactively

Leading others

Expert Knowledge

Planning & reviewing

Solving problems

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Creativity & Innovation

Change focus

Influencing others

Objective of the new program

To promote a comprehensive performance appraisal system

that takes into account both objectives and behavioral

competencies, to encourage the development of competencies,

to link individual goals to organizational values and objectives

and to computerize the appraisal process. Thus, the objectives

of the new system may be summarized as under:

Clear link to our strategic plan and core values

Fair, honest, accurate and non-discriminatory assessment

of performance based on standards that are valid, properly

applied, and transparent to employees

A sound basis for enhancing the performance capacity of

all employees, rewarding high-performing people, and

dealing with “below expected” performers.

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Benefits of a Competency based Performance Appraisal

System

A competency model can address many of the issues related to

performance appraisal. This ensures agreement on performance

criteria, what is accomplished and what is not accomplished,

collecting relevant and sufficient data. It also ensures

opportunity to supervisors to observe behavior, specificity and

concreteness in discussions about performance deficiencies and

handling of large amounts of data in a structured manner.

Provides a shred understanding of what will be monitored

and measured-A Competency model integrated with

performance appraisal ensures a balance between what

gets done and how it gets done. The concern is not only

with results but also with behavior and manner in which

those results are attained. It provides a shared picture of

what is considered relevant and important to effective

performance. Models aligned with the business objectives

specifically outlines the performance criteria that will be

used to measure effectiveness and success in that position.

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Focuses and facilitates the performance appraisal

discussions - Organizations face the challenge of

discussing a person’s behavior in a manner that is focused

and useful and does not put the individual on the

defensive. The skills, knowledge and characteristics that

are important to success are clearly described. It provides

a roadmap of where to begin the discussion and what

areas to focus on.

Provides focus for gaining information about behavior –

An appraisal process includes a simple accurate method

for a boss to assess job performance. By identifying the

specific behaviors crucial for effective performance,

competency models offer bosses a starting point.

.

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The new Performance Appraisal form has been attached in

the Annexure B. Also attached herewith is the Competency

Guidelines & Performance appraisal guide, which gives the

details of the appraisal process followed in Convergys

India. The guide also provides answers to some common

queries relating to new Competency framework and

Appraisal process.

*****

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Phase III

Developing Career Progression Path for Support

Staff

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1.0 Introduction:

One of the more hidden issues, which are evident throughout

the call centre industry, is the lack of career progression

available to most staff. Call centres have severe problems with

staff turnover and one of the reasons often cited is the lack of

opportunity to progress in the organization. The hierarchical

structure of call centres is traditionally very flat and promotion

opportunities are rare. Other problems exist in the management

grades of call centers where some employees find that the

flexibility that they thrived on at a junior grade is no longer

evident at management grades, making it difficult for some to

take promotion even when it is available.

Employees do not want to leave an organization if they feel

they are continuously growing and learning, what Herzberg

describes as the providing true job content (motivators).

Mentoring hierarchies and better inter-personal relationships

can ensure this environment. The following are the four main

categories of policy utilized by companies to reduce staff

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turnover. (From a research done on Best Practices at Call

Centers in UK)

1. Pay & Conditions

Increasing basic pay

Increased number of pay reviews

Higher performance bonuses (usually combined with

lower starting salary)

Length of service payments

Permanent contracts for all staff

Improvements in annual leave and sick pay provision

2. Training & Development

Increased availability of training

Introduction of career development plans

Introduction of multi-skilling

Recognition of best performance

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3. Better Management

More participatory style, improved communication

Introduction of employee forums

Increased one-to-one feedback

4. Working Conditions

Introduction of better facilities at the call center

Adjustment of shift hours so workers could work four

longer days or fixing shift patterns to enable staff to plan

ahead

Flexible working

These have been stated to be universal in nature and

applicability.

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2.0 Career Progression Program

Career progression is no longer necessarily linear and "up the

ladder." It can take a variety of forms and can involve:

Increasing the breadth or depth of responsibilities

Using more advanced knowledge or skills,

Taking on bigger or more challenging projects, and/or

Supporting or interacting with higher-level administrators.

Career planning is viewed from two angles:

Linear plan - This is for employees who are driven by motives

such as power and achievement, which will help them move in

an upward direction within the organization.

Expert plan - For individuals who are keen on advancing their

expertise in one's chosen field on the assumption that they are

motivated by expertise, technical competence and security; the

important distinction being between the linear progression and

expert progression being that there is no specific time limit for

a person to move and also the financial implications are

different.

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Career planning is a shared responsibility between an employee

and a manager/supervisor. The role of a manager/supervisor

is ongoing, and continues throughout the employment

relationship. It is an expectation and responsibility of a

manager/supervisor in a broad banded environment to provide

leadership in facilitating an employee's career development and

progression, salary progression, performance, and skill

development.

Employees are responsible for identifying their career goals

and areas in which they would like to expand their knowledge

and skills, then discussing with managers/supervisors how

these goals can support the mission of the employing unit.

It is the role of managers/supervisors to create an

environment of learning and professional growth for staff. A

learning environment reflects the values of Convergys India,

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which encourages continuous learning and opportunities to

develop professional growth. Providing career development

opportunities assists in creating a motivating environment,

which can lead to increased job satisfaction. The organization,

as well as the employee, is the beneficiary when already

knowledgeable staff is provided with opportunities to enhance

their skills and abilities. Providing opportunities for growth can

also be an effective retention strategy.

The company focuses on developing career growth

opportunities for its employees. Over and above the training

program, the most important aspect of the company’s HR

policy is the career progression program for every individual in

the company. CPP for the Operations Department, that was

finalized by Aug 03 and operational By 15th Jan04 is a

distinctive feature that Convergys India has. This is not looked

as a retention tool but to tap & promote the top performers of

the workforce and to attract the people from the industry who

are looking at a well defined career progression plan.

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In the existing career progression plan, "the pyramid has

been worked out is such a way that it makes for continuous

progress upwards." At Convergys the hierarchy is well charted

- from Business Associate to Senior Business Associate to

Team Manager to Duty Manager to Operations Manager to

Service Delivery Leader to Vice President.

2.1 Support Staff Career Progression Program:

The “Accelerated Career Development” (ACD) programs are

for highly driven and motivated individuals who are constantly

looking for new challenges and need opportunities to utilize

their energies. Then there is the “team innovation” (TI)

program for star performers who get involved at the “pilot” or

“proof-of-concept” stages of new programs. It is the realm of

these that we try to explore for implementation at Convergys

for the Support Function.

The Support Staff Career Progression Program is designed

to provide career growth opportunities to staff members within

their current jobs, to identify potential promotional

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opportunities, as well as to link pay opportunity to what

individuals actually do on the job.  The foundation of this

program is the Skill and Competency Model. A systematic

mapping exercise would be carried out to show how existing

qualifications fit with the proposed career progression

framework.  The aims of the mapping exercise would be: to

fill significant gaps in knowledge relating to the levels, types

and general availability of qualifications for support staff of all

types; and to map how existing qualifications fit with the

proposed career progression framework.

The Model establishes an individual's pay opportunity through

an assessment of skills and competencies demonstrated on the

job. This ensures that the attributes and behaviors of the staff

member link with the requirements of the job. Each Support

Staff position has a Skill Band and a corresponding salary

range based on an assessment of the position.  This will be

reviewed bi-annually, but will probably not change

significantly unless the staff member demonstrates

dramatically different levels or types of skills and

competencies.

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3.0 Recommendations

A revised career progression criteria (Growth Chart) for

the support function has been designed to give a clear career

path to employees across all levels in the support function.

(Refer Annexure C for the same)

The Career Path to be communicated to the new employees

at the time of recruitment, along with the job description,

competencies required and the target levels corresponding to

each competency. The existing employees also to be

apprised of the same.

A comprehensive Talent Review and Succession Planning

Process at the leadership level to identify high performing

and high potential talent available for growth requirements.

Convergys to be promoter of talent from within the

organization. To promote meritocracy, we must ensure that

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atleast 50% of leadership requirements are met from within

the company (IJPs and laterals).

Convergys to have a dedicated resource (career counselor)

to deal with the career related worries of all employees.

To establish an Assessment & Development center, to

constantly look for diverse skills within the organization.

Under this, personnel with high potential are routed via an

assessment center, which scientifically identifies the talent of

an individual, which finally culminates into a career

progression after qualifying certain parameters of written

test, group discussion followed by a detailed interview.

Individuals who do not qualify the assessment center

process, are also taken through a tutorial session as a road

map towards their needs for improvement in order to

overcome their weaknesses / short comings. This will ensure

employees get to do different roles in various departments

rather than concentrating on vertical growth. These options

are—growth content specialists, trainers, quality experts or

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even help in operational and business development of the

organization.

A training program: The 2-3 year program will consist of

three 8-12 month rotational assignments. For eg. For an HR

employee, two rotations would be in HR and one in a cross-

functional position, which could include finance, audit staff,

marketing, EHS, quality/Six Sigma or other functional areas.

The Program structure would be same for every member, but

with a variety of rotations, assignments and educational

opportunities.

A compulsory 9-12 month training program for all MTs

who join the organization, to enhance their leadership skilss

& strengthening front line people management skills.

Internal Training programs to be held so that team

members can share with their colleagues their enhanced

knowledge base and expertise. For eg. Soft skill trainings

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pertaining to time management, art of living, development of

communication skills and personality development, to be

held from time to time.

Mentoring is done to integrate employees into the business.

A "buddy mentor" is allocated in the first month to help one

settle in.

Employees to be put on six month long internal projects

with various departments, if these projects are found useful;

the reward is promotion to a higher level.

The company to follow “pay for performance”, thus

individuals at the same level may be drawing widely

different salary packages

Introduction of eHR in the organization, wherein all

employees in all parts of the company are aware

happening/factual across the organization available at

fingertips, the whole system is paperless and the culture is

employee driven. All new positions to be posted on Intranet,

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employees can apply on-line in total confidentiality (without

even their managers’ knowledge) and the selected candidate

can move to a new job, maybe even in another function.

*****

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IV. Bibliography

Books

The handbook of ‘Competency Mapping’ by Seema

Sanghi

‘Competence At Work’ by Spencer & Spencer

‘Performance Appraisals’ by Martin Fisher

Understanding Performance Appraisal by Kevin R.

Murphy and J.N. Cleveland

Documents

Following documents of Convergys India:

Existing Performance Appraisal form

Guide to Appraisal Process

Competency guidelines

Career Progression Program for Operations department

Structured Interview Guide & Interview questions

provided by project guide

Internet

*****

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ANNEXURE A

(Competency Based Interviewing Guide)

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Questions based on Competencies

Business & Commercial Focus

The motivation and ability to apply good financial and

commercial practice at all times, identify and exploit

opportunities to increase margin or profitability, to

understand the competitive marketplace and plan

strategically for the business.

1. Describe a challenge or opportunity you identified based on

your industry knowledge and

How you developed a strategy to respond to it.

2. Describe a time you created a strategy to achieve a long-

term business objective.

3. Describe a time when you used your business knowledge to

understand a specific business situation.

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4. Tell me about a time when you identified roadblocks to the

company’s success. What did you do?

5. Describe a situation where you have added value to the

business through a cost saving approach. What did you do?

What was the result?

6. Describe a situation when you have improved the service

provided through a commercial approach or idea. What did

you do? What was the outcome? What was the financial

impact?

7. How do you measure how well your department is doing?

8. How do you stay up to date/informed about industry

trends/competition?

9. Share an experience where you had to organize an event

with a limited budget.

10. Describe a situation where you used innovative ideas to

cut costs in your department.

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11. Describe how you created a budget plan for your

department.

12. Tell me about a time when you had to recruit an

employee for a critical position with limited recruitment

budget.

Client & Customer Focus

The motivation and ability to add value to clients, both

internal and external; to understand, meet and exceed

their needs, to be perceptive to clients’ customers; give

excellent service and operate as a true business partner.

1. How is dealing with your internal customers different than

your external customers?

2. Give an example of how you provided service to a

client/stakeholder beyond their expectations. How did you

identify the need? How did you respond?

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3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a

client/stakeholder service issue.

4. Describe a situation in which you acted as an advocate

within your organization for stakeholders’ needs, where

there was some organizational resistance to be overcome.

5. Think about your most successful relationship with a

customer. What did you do to develop and maintain that

relationship?

6. Describe the process you use to stay in touch with clients’

short & long term needs.

7. Describe an effective customer relationship you have. What

is good about it? What actions have you specifically taken

to ensure it remains positive? How have you measured its

ongoing success?

8. What has been the most difficult customer request or

problem you have experienced? Why was it so difficult?

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How did you handle it? What happened as a result of your

actions?

9. Can you give me an example of proactive action taken in

response to anticipating client & customer needs. What

were the clients’ needs? How did this impact the long-term

profitable business partnership?

10. Can you give me an example of how you have not been

able to deliver something that you promised the customer

you would. What did you do to minimize the impact? What

was the result?

11. Describe how you keep your existing client base despite

threats from competition.

12. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an irate

customer. (What was the situation & how did you respond

to it? What was the result?)

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13. Tell me about a time when you or the company lost a

customer. (What did you do about it? What did you learn

from it?)

Working with Others

The desire and ability to work co-operatively with others

at all times and in all situations for the good of the

business; to build a network of good relationships and

develop an understanding of the organization.

1. Tell me about a time when you worked successfully as a

member of a team.

2. Describe a situation where you were successful in getting

people to work together effectively.

3. Describe a situation in which you were a member (not a

leader) of a team, and a conflict arose within the team.

What did you do?

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4. What skills and personal qualities have you contributed to

the teams you have been part of?

5. Have you ever been involved in conflicts or disagreements

with other groups? What was the problem? What did you

do? What was the outcome?

6. Give me an example of sharing resources or information?

How did you make it work?

7. Tell me about how you dealt with your most “difficult”

colleague, client or customer.

8. What has been your toughest challenge in working with

others?

9. What experience have you had working on a team?

10. Describe an incident in which you had to work with a

colleague who had very different ideas about the goals or

processes involved than you did.

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11. When have you worked on a busy team and you were

somehow expected to perform tasks that might have been

considered below you?

12. Have you ever faced disconnects between you and your

co-workers at work? (If yes, describe the situation. How

did you handle it? What was the outcome?)

13. Tell me about a time when you used your interpersonal

skills to build a network of contacts.

14. Tell me about a time when you solicited the help of

another department or team to create a better result.

Developing Others

The desire and ability to encourage, coach, support and

manage the effective performance of people and to

develop them to meet business requirements.

1. What part do you play in the development of others?

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2. Tell me about a time when you coached someone to help

them improve their skills or job performance. What did you

do?

3. Describe a situation where you helped identify a team

member’s Performance Development Plan.

4. Describe a time when you provided feedback to someone

about his or her performance.

5. How do you ensure you deliver negative feedback in the

most positive way? Cite an example.

6. Give me an example of a time when you recognized that a

member of your team had a performance

difficulty/deficiency. What did you do?

7. How did you handle a situation where someone wanted to

develop in a different direction to that of an organization?

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8. Tell me about a time when you had identified somebody to

be promoted to the next level. What specific competencies

did you identify for his promotion?

9. Tell me about a time when you selected individuals to work

on a particular project. How did you make those decisions?

10. Tell me about a time when one of your team members

was not accepting his/her full responsibility. How did you

deal with the situation?

11. Describe an incident where you assisted a team member

with his/her tasks to enable the team reach its goal.

Confidence & Communication

The confidence, self-awareness and ability to make a

positive impression on others; to communicate verbally

and in writing so as to be clearly understood and make an

impact.

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1. What do you think are the three most important things

about communication?

2. Describe a situation you were involved in that required a

multi-dimensional communication strategy.

3. Describe a situation in which you had to use your

communication skills in presenting complex information.

How did you determine whether your message was

received?

4. Give an example of a difficult or sensitive situation that

required extensive communication?

5. Tell me about a time when you really had to pay attention

to what someone else was saying, actively seeking to

understand their message.

6. Tell me about a time when you were successful in getting

crucial information from another person.

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7. Tell me about a time when someone misunderstood what

you were attempting to communicate to them.

8. How do you keep your clients informed about difficult

issues that directly affect their bottom line?

9. Give an example of a difficult or sensitive situation that

required you to use excellent communication skills.

10. Give an example of how you have developed

communication skills in others.

11. Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to a group? How did

you do it? Did they buy it?

Performance Focus

The ability to focus on performance, demonstrate energy,

enthusiasm and stamina and to be dynamic and

accountable in order to deliver results, close off issues,

meet expectations and improve personal performance.

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1. Tell me about a time when you set and achieved a goal.

2. Describe the most challenging work goal you have set for

yourself.

3. Tell me about a time you were disappointed with the lack

of results that occurred after working on an issue.

4. Tell me about a time when you improved the way things

were typically done on the job.

5. Tell me about your last key job assignment. How was

success measured? How could you have been more

successful?

6. Describe something you have done to improve the

performance of your work unit.

7. Describe something you have done to maximize or improve

the use of resources beyond your own work unit to achieve

improved results.

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8. What initiatives have you developed to drive the business

forward & enhance the business plan? What was the

impact?

9. How do you ensure you deliver even when times are tough?

10. Tell me about a time you had to work on several projects

at once. How did you handle this?

11. Tell me about a time when you dealt with unexpected

stress or uncertainty when trying to accomplish a goal.

12. Tell me about the time when you achieved your

greatest /best results.

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Working Proactively

The desire and ability to demonstrate initiative, to think

ahead and take prompt action to solve problems, complete

tasks, overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

1. Tell me about a time when you anticipated a trend/change

which altered the vision or goals of the company.

2. Describe a time when you recommended technological,

staffing or philosophy change at work. Were they adopted?

Why or why not?

3. Tell me about a time when you had to act on something

important before you had time to come up with a good

answer or solution.

4. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond

to get results.

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Leading Others

The ability to define and communicate goals and to

motivate others to achieve them; to lead by example, to

inspire confidence and respect and take action to achieve

success; at the highest level to lead Convergys strategic

thinking and the communication of the Convergys way.

1. Tell me about a time when you had to lead a group to

achieve an objective.

2. Describe a situation where you had to ensure that your

“actions spoke louder than your words” to a team.

3. Describe a situation where you inspired others to meet a

common goal.

4. Describe a situation where you had to terminate a non-

performing employee.

5. Describe a time when you have used situational leadership

styles to handle a particularly difficult team member.

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6. What steps have you put in place to manage your team’s

day-to-day activities & performance? How did you

measure them?

7. How do you delegate responsibility, but ensure results?

Provide an example.

8. Give me an example of a time when you had to motivate

others to work hard. How did you accomplish this?

9. Describe a situation where your example served as a model

for others.

10. Describe how you drive your team’s performance and

motivate delivery.

11. Give an example of handling a problem within your

team. How did you spot it, and what did you do? What was

the outcome?

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12. Give me an example of using a different style or

approach with different employees. How did you determine

which approach? How did you ensure it was appropriate?

13. Describe a situation where you had to take charge either

with a demanding client or with your own team.

14. What has been the most obstructive group you have had

to get cooperation from?

15. Have you ever been a member of a group where two

members did not work well together? How did you handle

this?

Expert Knowledge

The ability to develop appropriate job/ professional/

specialist knowledge and skills and consistently apply

them to deliver quality, to freely share one’s knowledge in

order that others succeed; at the highest level to achieve

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credibility as an expert, and contribute to leading edge

professional standards.

1. Give me an example of a time when your business or

technical skills helped you solve a complex problem.

2. Tell me about a task you took on but didn’t have all the

requirements or technical skills to accomplish the same.

3. Compare what you know about the job you are

interviewing for and your own knowledge and skill. What

areas of development do you feel you will need to meet the

job expectations?

Planning & Reviewing

The ability to identify and plan out a course of action

which effectively achieves goals and quality of delivery; to

organise work efficiently so that priorities are met; to

carry out systematic and timely reviews at the appropriate

level of detail, and apply learning points to future plans

and activities.

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1. Describe a plan you created for one of your most complex

projects.

2. Describe a situation in which you set a challenging goal

and created a plan to attain it.

3. Describe a time when an unanticipated event affected your

project plans.

4. Describe a project for which you organized the activities of

others.

5. Give me an example of when you had multiple tasks on top

of a pending deadline. How did you manage the tasks and

deadline and what were the results?

6. What methods do you use to keep track of your activities

and results?

7. Tell me about a time when you redesigned a work process.

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8. What do you do when your schedule is suddenly

interrupted? Give a specific example.

9. Have you been in a situation where you knew there were

more tasks than you had time to perform and everyday was

a challenge just in coping with workloads?

Solving Problems

The ability to define problems, systematically gather and

analyse information, identify cause and effect, develop

solutions and make decisions based on a judgement of the

best solution

1. Tell me about a time when you had to identify the

underlying causes to a problem.

2. Describe a time when you had to analyze a problem and

generate a solution.

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3. Tell me about a situation where you had to solve a problem

or make a decision that required careful thought. What did

you do?

4. Tell me about a situation where you achieved a satisfactory

outcome to a problem that others thought couldn’t be

solved. What did you do and what was the outcome?

5. Tell me about a time when you had conflicting priorities

and what you did to resolve them.

6. What kind of problems do you handle best? (Or) Describe

the most complex issue or problem you have dealt with.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision on

the basis of incomplete data.

8. Describe a situation in which you had to draw a conclusion

quickly and take action without manager authorization.

9. Give me an example of a time when your analytical skills

resulted in a successful solution of a problem.

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10. We have all tried to solve a problem on our own only to

discover that others needed to be aware of the situation.

Give me an example of when you took full responsibility

for solving a problem but later found out that you really

should have included others in the process.

11. Tell me about a time when it was really difficult to

collect or find the information you needed. (What steps did

you take to find the necessary information? Were you

successful in finding the information?)

12. We all make decisions that turn out to be mistakes.

Describe a work decision you have made that you wish you

could do over.

13. Describe one of the best recommendations you have

made to your manager/supervisor/team leader or peers.

14. Describe an occasion when you decided to involve others

in making a decision. (Why did you do so? To what extent

did you use their inputs?)

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Creativity & Innovation

The ability to focus on a business issue and apply creative

and lateral thinking to introduce new ideas, methods or

processes to improve the business; to challenge the status

quo.

1. Describe something you have done that was new and

different for your organization, which improved

performance and/or productivity.

2. Tell me about a time when you identified a new, unusual or

different approach for addressing a problem or task.

3. Tell me about a recent problem in which old solutions

wouldn’t work. How did you solve the problem?

4. Have you done anything innovative that would be of direct

interest to your clients or enhanced awareness of your firm?

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5. Cite some recent examples that demonstrate how you have

fostered creativity in your group.

6. Give me an example of a time when you were inventive

and offered fresh insights about a situation. What was the

situation?

7. Give examples to illustrate how you have generated ideas

that represent thinking “outside the box.” How did others

receive your ideas? What became of the ideas?

8. Tell two suggestions you have made to your supervisor in

the past year. How did you come up with the ideas? What

happened? How do you feel about the way things went?

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Change Focus

The ability and willingness to respond quickly and

positively to change; to maintain effectiveness and

resilience in a changing or ambiguous environment and to

identify and implement change in response to business

needs.

1. Give me an example of where you have encouraged others

to accept change. How did you help them to cope or adjust?

What was the result?

2. Tell me about an incident where you initiated a change

which helped improve the process you were working on?

3. Have you ever been involved in planning the

implementation of change? What steps did you take to

ensure effective management of change? What did you

anticipate would be the reactions? What did you about that?

What was the outcome?

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4. Tell me about an important project/task/assignment you

were working on for a client in which the specifications

changed significantly but the deadline was not extended.

(What did you do? How did it affect you? Were you able to

meet the deadline?)

5. Tell me about a situation when you had to adjust quickly to

a change in organizational, departmental, or team priorities.

(How did the change affect you?)

6. Give me an example of a time when you have experienced

a setback. (Describe the situation. How did you react to the

problem? To what extent did others see how you were

feeling?)

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Influencing Others

The ability to have a positive influence on others and

persuade them to change their views, intentions or actions

or to adopt a particular course of action; at the highest

level to be influential even within a complex and

challenging environment.

1. Describe how have you influenced someone to do

something significant. What was important to the person?

How did you know? How did you expect them to react?

What did you do as a result? What was the outcome?

2. Tell me about a time when you were able to change

someone’s viewpoint significantly.

3. Tell me about a time when you were asked to do something

that you disagreed with.

4. Tell me about a person or event that has been influential in

your personal development.

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5. Describe a time when you went through a series of steps to

influence an individual or a group on an important issue.

6. Tell me about one of your most satisfying attempts to

persuade others to your point of view. (How did you do it?)

7. Describe a situation where you found it difficult to

persuade others to your point of view. (Why was it so

difficult?)

8. Describe a situation in which you needed to influence

different stakeholders with differing perspectives.

9. Give me an example of using a different style to persuade

different people. What were your options, did they match

the other person’s; how did it work out?

10. Have you ever had to influence someone over a long

period of time? Tell me how did you do it. How did you

vary your approach?

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11. Tell me about a time you most effectively “sold” one of

your ideas. (What was your approach?)

12. What was one of the best ideas you tried but could not

sell to a manager/supervisor/team leader/peer/customer?

(What was your approach? Why did it fail?)

13. Describe your most satisfying experience in attempting

to gain senior management’s support for an idea or

proposal. (What was the situation? How did you go about

it? What was the outcome?)

14. Describe a time you used information influence to

accomplish a goal.

*****

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ANNEXURE B

(Performance Appraisal Form

&

Competency and Appraisal guide)

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Performance Appraisal Form

Section 1: Employee Details:

Name: E Code:

Dept: Designation:

Appraiser Name: Appraisal Period:

DOJ: Today’s Date:

Appraisal summary:

Rating based on competencies (A) (From page 2)

Rating based on task objectives set at _________ 2004 (B) (From page 3)

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Total Score (C) (From page 3)

Overall Rating

(From page 3)

Section 2: Performance evaluation based on Competencies:

Rating  S No. Competencies Target

LevelWeight

ageSelf Joint Total

1.            

2.            

3.            

4.            

5.            

6.            

7.            

8.            

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9.            

10.            

11.

12.            

13.            

14.            

15.            

TOTAL

    100     (A)

Instructions:

1. In the space provided above, please list the competencies and the respective target level, relevant as per your level / band from the Competency Booklet.

2. Please refer to the ‘Competency Grid’ for the weightages assigned to each competency. Each Competency has been assigned an equal weight age, the sum total of which should equal to 100.

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3. Use the rating scales mentioned in Section 7 for Self & joint ratings.

4. Multiply the assigned weightage with the Joint Rating & write in the total column.

For example, if the weight age on a particular competency is 20 & the rating for the Same is 4, and then the total score will be 80 (20X4=80).

5. Finally, add all the scores in the total column & arrive at figure (A).

6. The figure (A) obtained above is to be entered on the first page of the appraisal form.

Section 3: Performance Evaluation based on Objectives accomplished:

  Rating  

S No. ObjectivesWeight

age Self Joint Total1.

         2.

         3.

         4.          

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5.         

6.         

7.         

8.         

9.         

10.         

Instructions:

1. In the space provided above, please list your performance objectives & assign a weightage to each objective.

2. The weightage is on a scale of 1 – 100, 1 being the lowest, and 100 being the highest. The weightages for all objectives should total to 100.

3. Use the rating scales mentioned in Section 7 for Self & joint ratings.

4. Multiply the agreed weightage with the Joint Rating & write in the total column.

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5. For example, if the weightage on a particular objective is 60 & the rating for the same is 4, then the total score will be 240 (60X4=240).

6. Finally, add all the scores in the total column & arrive at figure (B).

7. The figure (B) obtained above is to be entered on the first page of the appraisal form.

Overall Rating:

To obtain the Total score of the Appraisee, add the values arrived at as (A) and (B).

The figure arrived at (C) is to be entered on the first page of the Appraisal form.

The Overall rating of the Appraisee can be determined using the Rating Scale under Section 7. The rating thus obtained is to be entered on the first page of the Appraisal form.

Section 4: Objectives for the next six months (September

2004 – March 2005)

Establish at least 3 objectives for this position for the next appraisal period. List them and describe what superior results would be for each. Please review these goals with the employee and secure agreement on the deliverables.

SMART Objectives Date Due

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Objective # 1

Objective # 2

Objective # 3

Appraisee’s Signature: Appraiser’s Signature:

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Section 5: Performance Development Plan (for the next six months):

Personal Development Plan for the next six months (September 2004 – March 2005)

Name:

E Code:

Designation:

Department:

Appraiser Name:

Based on the competency gaps identified, please suggest a plan for Training & Development of the appraisee with his joint consultation.

S No.

Competencies Required

Target Level

Appraisee’s

Target Level#

SuggestedApproach*

Target Date

1.

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2.        

3.        

4.        

5.        

6.        

7.        

8.        

9.        

10.

# Also specify the grades within the competency levels i.e., S-Strong, C-Competent, ND-Needs development

*Suggested Approach: O-On the job; P – Project; T – Training course

Appraisee’s Signature: Appraiser’s Signature

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Section 6: Summary of Performance:

First reporting manager’s comments:

Name: Sign: Date:

Second reporting manager’s comments:

Name: Sign: Date:

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Appraisee’s comments:

Name: Sign: Date:

Section 7: Rating Scales

Competency & Objective Rating Scale:

Rating Scale: Brief Description:

6 Performance consistently exceeds expectations with no guidance

5 Performance consistently exceeds expectations with Minimal guidance / supervision

4 Performance consistently meets but sometimes exceeds Expectations

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3 Performance consistently meets expectations

2 Performance mostly falls short of expectations; requires Significant amount of guidance / supervision

1 Performance consistently fails to meet expectations

Overall Performance Rating Scale:

Rating Scale: Score interval:

6 1101 - 1200

5 951 - 1100

4 801 - 950

3 651 - 800

2 501 - 650

1 Below 500

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Convergys India

Competency Guidelines&

Guide to theAppraisal Process

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Table of Contents

S No.

Topic Page no.

1.Competency Guidelines - Introduction

3

2.What are competencies?

3

3.The competency framework

4

4.Competencies and levels of behavior

4-5

5.Competency Level Descriptors

6.FAQs

6-7

7.Guide to Appraisal Process – Introduction

8

8.Principles

9

9.Purpose

9

10.Preparing for the appraisal meeting

9

11.Conducting the appraisal meeting

10

12.Using the form

10-13

13.Time table

13

14.FAQs

14

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Introduction

This guide gives an overview of the new competency

framework for Convergys India and how and when it should

be used.

It applies to all colleagues, at every grade/level, and the

competencies have been harmonized from the various sets

that were being used across the business.

All future “people” related activities will be based on, and

progressed against these competencies in order that

colleagues are measured, reviewed and developed against the

same criteria.

This guide is available to everyone but will be particularly

useful to those with responsibility for managing people.

What are Competencies?

To meet our responsibilities at work, each of us needs to be

effective in three areas:

Knowledge – The things we need to knowSkills – The things we are able to doBehavior – The way we choose to do things

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Knowledge, skills and behavior can be compared to the three

legs of a stool. Without all three legs the stool is not effective

at fulfilling its purpose. Just like the stool, we need all three

elements of a competence to be effective in our work.

Whilst our values express the kind of company we want to be,

having a common framework of competencies will enable

each of us to deliver our commitments and be successful in

the requirements of the job.

The Competency Framework

The framework is made up of 15 competencies that cover

people skills, process skills, personal skills and business

knowledge. They are:

1. Business & Commercial 9. Leading Others120

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Focus

2. Client & Customer

Focus

10. Expert Knowledge

3. Respecting Others 11. Planning & Reviewing

4. Working with Others 12. Solving Problems

5. Developing Others 13. Creativity & Innovation

6. Confidence &

Communication

14. Change Focus

7. Performance Focus 15. Influencing Others

8. Working Proactively

The definition of each of these can be found later in this

Guide.

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Competencies and levels of behavior

The competencies are split into 4 different target levels of

behavior. Each target level is further split into 3 different

categories - Strong, Competent & Needs Development. The

organizational structure is made up of people working at 5

different levels across all functions. Each level is further

categorized into 2 bands- Band A & B. All roles within

Convergys India have been mapped to the new competencies

and target levels. The full details can be found in the

accompanying booklet to this Guide.

Target Level 1 indicates day-to-day behaviors, actions

and tasks appropriate for colleagues - as and where

required for each role.

Target Levels 2 to 4 show incrementally complex and

demanding behaviors, leading up to far-reaching

strategic decisions and actions, which would typically be

achieved by senior management (at Level 5).

Each level is a building block on the previous level, so

someone, for example, achieving the behaviors at Level 3 in

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Client & Customer Focus, will also be displaying the

behaviors described at Levels 1 & 2.

Recording evidence of someone’s actions makes it possible to

assess how consistently a competency is applied, and to what

level. It then becomes possible to see what contribution and

behavior looks like for any particular role and allows

colleagues to see what a role looks like above and beyond

their own profile.

You will notice that some competencies have behaviors that

may be similar or common to others, this degree of overlap is

unavoidable. The measurement of human behavior is not an

exact science; it will always require a degree of interpretation

from the people involved, but the company’s harmonized

competency frameworks will now ensure that there is a

common method of interpretation.

As part of the competency mapping exercise, we have

identified the Core competencies, popularly known as the

‘Pinkies’, which are relevant to all employees across a

particular level in the organization. For e.g., all managers of

Convergys India are required to have

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‘Performance Focus’ as their core competency. However, the

target levels under a particular competency could vary across

levels.

The exercised has been further carried out to identify the

role/function specific competencies, called the Professional

competencies or ‘Yellows’, which very across employees in a

particular job position.

Thus, there is no fixed number of competencies applicable to

a particular job profile. It may vary across different levels/job

positions existing in the organization.

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FAQs

1. When should the new competencies be used?

The new competencies will be effective from the next

Appraisal cycle for the period ending 30th September 2004.

This does not mean it will be necessary to re-write all job

profiles immediately, rather, there will be a transition

period. So, when a job profile is being drafted or when it is

necessary to create an assessment center these set of

competencies will be used.

2. How long will the transition to the new competencies

take?

We will use the new year (2004) to make the transition

between the various competency models we have around

the company to the new Convergys India competencies.

3. Are the competencies a type of grading structure?

Absolutely not! Competencies focus on what a person

does, and they can provide a sound basis for deciding and

measuring improvements in performance. Our aim is that

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they are used as a part of a colleague’s personal

development; they are not a base for grading or salary

structures.

4. Do these competencies apply to all colleagues?

Yes, they do apply to all colleagues irrespective of their

role in the company. These are general competencies for

all colleagues in Convergys India.

5. Are all colleagues expected to be effective in all

competencies?

No. Typically, there are 6-8 essential i.e., Core

competencies in each level that are required to deliver

effective performance and inspirational service. These will

vary from level to level. In addition, Professional

Competencies have been identified across different job

positions in the organization. Two roles may have the same

core competencies but expect it to be delivered at different

levels because of the nature of the work and the level of

responsibility.

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6. Could the levels of competencies attained vary each

year (e.g. one year you attain it and the next you don’t)?

Yes, every year is a new process and the individual’s

competency level could drop or increase, although it is

unlikely that the quality of work would drastically

decrease. The required level will, however remain the

same.

7. What happens if a competency level is not reached?

Within the competency target levels, there exists 3

grades/categories of Performance, i.e., S-Strong, C-

Competent and ND-Needs Development. An employs may

be ‘Strong’ in one competency but may require

development in other. As soon as there is evidence of a

need to improve a competency, the supervisor must offer

some coaching or training to the employee. It is to the

employee’s advantage to strive toward improvement and be

‘Strong’ in all competencies. However, for promotion, an

employs needs to be at least ‘Competent’ in core

competencies.

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8. How is it decided what level a role should operate at?

Whilst this is not a grading system it is expected that

greater levels of competence will be required as breadth of

responsibility and experience increase.

As a general guide most colleagues below Team Manager

will be expected to operate at level 1 in the competencies

relevant to their role. However, this is not set in stone e.g.

in a high profile customer service role, a colleague may be

expected to operate at level 1 on all competencies except

Client & Customer Focus where they may be expected to

operate at level 2.

The important thing to remember is to think carefully about

the role and the level of performance you would expect for

an individual to be successful in that role – use the

definitions to guide you.

Whatever target level you determine for a role in each

competency it will include all elements of the lower levels.

E.g. Client & Customer Focus - Level 3 will include; Level

3 and Level 2 and Level 1

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9. Does this mean that a minimum level should be set for

each role?

Yes, this is correct. A minimum level should be set for

each role. This should be included in the job/role profile.

Training and development can help a colleague reach or

exceed the level required of them.

10. If my job description is altered; will I belong to a

different job family or have different competency

profile?

If the duties of the position change significantly, for e.g.

through an IJP, it could place the position in a different

family or sub-group. However, the core competencies

being the same for the same level, it could also happen that

the competency profile would remain the same. Role

specific competencies would however be different from

those relevant to the existing job profile.

*****

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GUIDE TO APPRAISAL PROCESS

Performance Appraisal:

One of the most common purposes of appraisal is to enable

some kind of assessment to be made of an employee. This

may be against some pre-set objectives, or it may be in terms

of ratings on job competencies. If performance appraisal is to

be constructive and useful, there must be something in it for

both the appraisers and the employees being appraised. Its

success depends on the supervisor's willingness to complete a

constructive and objective assessment, and on the employee's

willingness to respond to constructive criticism and to work

with the supervisor to overcome performance barriers.

Performance Review is a bi-annual process that formally

documents performance and identifies ways to help

employees continue to contribute to achieving Convergy’s

mission and to provide employees with personal and

professional growth opportunities.

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The objectives of the Performance appraisal system are:

Clear link to our strategic plan and core values

Fair, honest, accurate and non-discriminatory assessment

of performance based on standards that are valid,

properly applied, and transparent to employees

A sound basis for enhancing the performance capacity of

all employees, rewarding high-performing people, and

dealing with “below expected” performers.

There are essentially two components to this program:

Look Back

Reviewing the past year, discussing how the employee

performed and giving constructive

Feedback.

Look Ahead

Identifying specific ways in which the employee could

improve performance, build skills and competencies, and/or

take on additional responsibilities and setting goals and

objectives for the next appraisal period.

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1. INTRODUCTION TO GUIDE:

Keeping in view the requirements of the new Appraisal

System, specific changes have been made to the existing

appraisal forms for the September 2004 appraisal. This

Objective setting and Performance evaluation form has been

designed to help managers set goals and communicate

expectations at the beginning of the appraisal period, change

plans as circumstances require, document accomplishments,

evaluate results, provide feedback to employees regarding

performance, and jointly formulate performance development

plans.

Appraisals will be done to review the past six months and to

generate a ‘rating’ for any bonus and increment calculations.

Ratings will also be used in the overall calculations as part of

the forthcoming annual salary review. The form will also be

used to identify any training and development needs and,

where appropriate, to agree task objectives for the coming six

months.

The appraisal system will continue to evolve over time as we

develop a company-wide integrated performance management

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system to support a customer service culture. Your local HR

Representative is available to help with any queries about the

process and to provide update briefings as required.

2. PRINCIPLES

The appraisal is a two-way process. To make it effective, all

feedback should be specific and constructive with the focus

on acknowledging and encouraging strengths in addition to

identifying areas for improvement.

All actions arising from the appraisal should be agreed

between both parties, to encourage personal responsibility and

ownership on the part of the appraisee. The appraisal meeting

is the formal framework for monitoring performance and

development, however true development will only be

achieved if performance is managed as an ongoing, daily

process.

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While managers are accountable for conducting appraisals,

Each employee is responsible for ensuring that their

Manager completes the appraisal on time.

Where necessary the individual should take the lead to ensure

that the timescales for their review are met.

The appraisal meeting should not be used as the only

opportunity to give feedback on performance issues; such

feedback should be given in the moment and not ‘stored up’

for the review.

To help ensure consistency across the company, the

appraising managers assessment of the appraisee will be

subject to the endorsement by the next level manager.

Individuals are encouraged to make full use of the comments

box on the appraisal document to comment on the appraisal

itself, the scores agreed and their personal development plan.

3. PURPOSE:

The March 2004 appraisal will define and assess individual

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Achievement of personal task objectives

Levels of behavioral competence

In addition, for all employees, the appraisal will include the

opportunity to develop a personal development plan tailored

where appropriate to meet specific development activities.

The appraisal forms are used to:

Review levels of competence over the past six months

Agree or update each personal development plan

Where appropriate, to agree task objectives for the next

six months.

4. PREPARING FOR THE APPRAISAL MEETING

Appraising manager Appraisee

Identify any areas you particularly want to address

Ensure you understand the documentation and the

Consider the specific areas the appraisal will address

Identify any areas you particularly want to

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process Have a copy of the last

appraisal to hand Give a copy of the new

appraisal document to the appraisee for self rating

Ensure the appraisal meeting can take place in a private area, free from interruptions

Check out with your manager and colleagues any relevant views on how the appraisee is seen to perform

Allow sufficient time

address Fill out your self ratings Have a copy of your last

appraisal to hand Check out with colleagues

how they see you performing

5. CONDUCTING THE APPRAISAL MEETING

Appraising manager Appraisee

Work through the documentation in a logical sequence

When giving feedback be specific and constructive avoiding abstract comments

Work hard to listen and understand the feedback being given

Seek specific examples about what you do well and not so well

Examine your own

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Encourage the appraisee to examine and assess their own performance

Listen, don’t argue – discuss the reasons for any differences of opinion

Agree joint ratings Learn from the

Appraisee’s perception of you as their manager

Send the completed forms to HR and a copy to the appraisee

performance and appraise it honestly

Learn from your manager’s perception of you

6. USING THE FORM:

This form is for the review of the performance of an employee

during the last appraisal period. The form is divided into 6

sections. It is necessary that all the 6 sections of the form are

completed in all respects and then returned to the concerned

department to enable them to gather maximum information

from the same.

In order to get the most out of the appraisal process it is

essential that it is not viewed as a simple 'tick the box'

exercise. Prior to the appraisal meeting the person being

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appraised should have the opportunity to self-rate his or her

own performance. For this reason the form must be handed to

the appraisee in advance of the appraisal meeting.

At the appraisal meeting the appraising manager should

jointly review with the appraisee all of the self-ratings and

agree joint ratings for every objective, core competence or job

knowledge area as appropriate.

6.1 Front Page

Enter the details on the first page as indicated. At the end of

the appraisal meeting, transfer the ratings based on

competencies and objectives accomplished onto the front

page and add together to give the total score, maximum being

1200. This will then be used to determine the overall rating of

the appraisee on a scale of 1 to 6, which needs to be entered

on the first page of the form. Give a copy of the form to the

appraisee and send the signed original to HR.

6.2 Performance evaluation based on Competencies

A competency is an observable skill or ability to complete a

task or job successfully. Once the company has established

the key abilities or attributes that are necessary for effective

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employee performance, they may be incorporated into the

appraisal system to make assessment more objective. The real

strength of such a system is not in comparing people with

each other in a competitive way, but analysing the progress of

an employee in their own sense. This then directs attention to

those areas where they are excelling or where skills may be

improved.

There are 15 competencies identified, which are applicable

across all employees in the organization. The competence

definitions are specific, observable, and therefore measurable,

terms that clearly define the behaviors and performance

expected of employees. However, not all competencies may

be relevant to each and every employee in the organization.

An exercise has been carried out to map the various levels and

roles existing in the organization to these competencies. Since

an employee is required to exhibit proficiency across all

competencies, equal weightages have been assigned to all

competencies applicable to respective job positions in the

organization. A guide to the same is available as ‘Competency

Framework’ and ‘Competency Grid’. The former will be

made available to all the employees in the organization to

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enable them to understand the parameters against which their

performance would be evaluated.

Convergys India now launches a Six-point rating scale,

which will be used to evaluate the performance of the

employee on both competencies and task objectives

accomplished. The use of the same will lead to a more

scientific performance evaluation process, thus giving away

with the use of ratings/scores in decimal points.

The 6-point rating scale is as follows:

The 6-point rating scale is as follows:

6 Performance consistently exceeds expectations with no

guidance

5 Performance consistently exceeds expectations with

Minimal guidance / supervision

4 Performance consistently meets but sometimes exceeds

Expectations

3 Performance consistently meets expectations

2 Performance mostly falls short of expectations; requires

significant amount of guidance / supervision

1 Performance consistently fails to meet expectations

The product of joint ratings and respective weightages should

be added to obtain the total value (A) for the appraisee. This

total should be entered on the front page.

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By structuring competences into increasingly complex 'levels

of work' to reflect the role holders responsibility and expected

higher levels of performance, performance appraisal rating

scales can be used to provide both expected and actual

performance improvement profiles. The same portfolio is also

used to identify development needs and plan their activities.

6.3 Performance evaluation based on achievement of

objectives over the past six months (where appropriate):

Evaluate each objective set during the last performance

appraisal by assigning weightages to each of them and then

rating them on a scale of 1 to 6. (Same rating scale to be used

as under section 2).

The product of joint ratings and respective weightages should

be added to obtain the total value (B) for the appraisee. This

total should be entered on the front page.

Using the above two figures (A) and (B), total score (C) of the

appraisee can be obtained. This figure is used to determine the

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overall rating of the appraisee, based on the following rating

scale:

Rating Scale Score interval

6 1101 - 1200

5 951 - 1100

4 801 - 950

3 651 - 800

2 501 - 650

1 Below 500

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6.4 Task objectives for the next six months

An objective is simply a statement of what is to done and

should be stated in terms of results. Personal task objectives,

where appropriate, should be agreed and written down along

with their measures and timescale. The timing must be

specific; 'on-going' is not sufficient. Objectives, which are

not completed in one review period, may be carried forward

by agreement.

A mnemonic aid to write objectives is SMARTING, i.e.

• Specific - does the objective have only one possible

interpretation

• Measurable - how will it be clear that the objective has

been achieved?

• Achievable - can this individual actually deliver this

objective?

• Realistic - can this actually be done, knowing all the

constraints that exist

• Time bound - when must the objective be completed by?

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All task objectives must be agreed between the appraisee and

appraiser before being set. It is understood that on occasions

objectives that have been agreed cannot be delivered, or may

become irrelevant, due to changing circumstances. In such

cases, it is for the appraisee to go back to the reviewer as soon

as the problem arises and agree revised objectives and

timescales. It is not appropriate to wait until the next formal

appraisal.

6.5 Performance Development Plan for the next six months

A Development Plan is important to help the employees learn

new skills, knowledge, abilities and behaviors and to continue

to remain current in their skills and/or improve their job

performance. The development plan identifies specific

activities, not just classroom training programs. While the

Objective/Competencies selected for the performance plan are

specific to the job, the development plan is an opportunity to

focus on the individual. The appraising manager and the

appraisee jointly create a development plan based on:

Development for growth in the current job.

Future development/career interests.

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Areas for improvement, where the employee is not

meeting expectations.

The need for the same is based on identification of the gaps in

the Appraisee’s target levels of competencies as against the

required target levels. While doing so, the appraising manager

is required to specify the grades within the target levels. The

three grades are as follows:

Strong (S): Significantly and consistently exceeds

performance requirements/expectations.

Competent (C): Proficient i.e., Fully satisfactory

performance which meets position requirements/expectations.

Needs Development (ND): Performance needs improvement.

A performance improvement, role change, or other corrective

action should be undertaken.

However, in order to be promoted, an employee needs to be at

least ‘Competent’ on the fixed/core competencies.

If the individual needs to improve in some aspects of the

position, and/or wants to grow in his or her current position,

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then development activities should be directly linked to

Objectives and Competencies, if applicable. If the individual

is meeting or exceeding expectations consistently and has

career interests beyond his or her current role, there may be

ways to incorporate skill building into the current position

that will help the individual move in the desired direction.

While you develop the plan together, think creatively about

what activities will be best for the individual based on the

skills, knowledge, abilities and behaviors needing

development, the opportunities available. Personal

development need not always require a formal training

course, instead consider other approaches such as

recommending books to read, special projects, job shadowing

etc.

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6.6 Summary of Performance

This section is the overall summary of the performance of the

concerned employee. On this page the appraising manager

should write comments about the Appraisee’s performance

over the past six months and sign. The former should provide

comments with specific examples to support evaluation and to

provide constructive feedback.

The appraisee then has the opportunity to comment regarding

his/her performance and indicate areas where he/she feels

additional assistance is needed in order to become more

effective. The appraisee should sign the document before it is

passed on to the appraising manager’s boss for endorsement

and comment.

6.7 Rating Scales

Using the rating scale given in this section, select the rating of

for each “indicator” that best reflects the employee’s

performance or skill level.

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TIMETABLE

September

2007

Appraisal of previous six months

performance. Advise score to HR.

Where appropriate – agree objectives

for the coming six months

Agree personal development plan

31st October

2007

Last day for submission of

completed documents to HR for any

bonus calculation (payable with

December payroll).

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FAQs

1. How will the competencies link to our Performance

Management Process?

The competencies will be a part of our new performance

management process & form. Weightages would be

assigned to each of the competencies identified at the

beginning of the appraisal cycle, and the performance

evaluation of the appraisee would be based on the sum total

of the product of the joint ratings on competencies and the

respective weightages.

Specific development needs should then appear on the

Personal Development Plan and reviewed at the Bi-Annual

Performance Appraisal.

2. What are the goals of the new program?

The objectives of this new program are: To promote a

comprehensive performance appraisal system that takes

into account both objectives and behavioral competencies,

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to encourage the development of competencies, to link

individual goals to organizational values and objectives.

3. Since the manager completes the performance

appraisal, how can one be certain of his/her objectivity?

Open communication is encouraged between the manager

and the employee. The manager does the appraisal, as it is

his/her job, as well as a managerial right. However, this

appraisal ought to be done with the cooperation and full

participation of the employee as well as consultation with

the next management level. There is also a section, which

provides for the employee’s comments.

4. How do I evaluate an employee who is technically very

productive, weak in certain competency areas, however

doing work where the objectives (quality and quantity)

are more important than the competencies?

It is here that the need for Personal Development Plan is

identified. A Development Plan is important to help the

employees learn new skills, knowledge, abilities and

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behaviors and to continue to remain current in their skills

and/or improve their job performance. Based on the

competency gaps identified by the appraising manager, the

training & development needs of the appraisee are

addressed. Thus, we must recognize the areas of

improvement, note the impact they are having, and help the

employee to improve. We must also emphasize the benefits

(for co-workers and clients) of improving his/her

competencies.

*****

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ANNEXURE C

(Growth Chart)

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GROWTH CHART

Level/Band

External/Internal

Fast Track/Time scale Career Progression Criteria

   1A to

1BExternal

HireMin of 1 appraisal (9mths-12 mths) Rating of 4/5/6  

IJPMin of 6 mths or 1 complete appraisal cycle (6mths) with a rating Of 4/5/6  

1B to 2A

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)  

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IJPMin of 9 mths or 1 complete appraisal cycle (6mths) with a rating Of 4/5/6  

2A to 2B

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (9mths-12 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (9mths-12 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)  

IJPMin of 2 appraisals (6 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive)   

2B to 3A

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)

IJP Min of 2 appraisals (9 mths) Rating

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of 5/6 (consecutive)   

3A to 3B

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (9mths-12 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (9mths-12 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)  

IJPMin of 2 appraisals (6 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive)   

3B to 4A

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)  

IJP Min of 2 appraisals (9 mths) Rating

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of 5/6 (consecutive)   

4A to 4B

External Hire Fast Track

Min of 2 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive) 

Time ScaleMin of 4 appraisals (12mths-18 mths) Rating of 4/5/6 (consecutive)  

IJPMin of 2 appraisals (6 mths) Rating of 5/6 (consecutive)  

       

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