Needed: A Better Appraisal System for Better Leaders

There has been a palpable decline in the standards of morals, ethics and values as observed by officers in the armed forces and the bond between officers and men has weakened. This could be because officers with the requisite qualities are not adequately groomed to rise to the level of battalion commanders. The present appraisal system is largely to blame, it being based on a single Annual Confidential Report. A further drawback is that only superior officers report on a ratee. Inputs for appraisal need to be drawn from multiple sources geared towards a ‘360 degree evaluation’. The appraisal system should enforce accountability in officers, facilitate their continuous improvement, reward competence and sincerity, recognize efficiency, and confirm an officer’s suitability for the post. It should encourage both an officer’s career development as well as self-development linked to organizational goals. The system must thus evaluate both mission accomplishment and organizational development.