The Development of Performance Standards for Medical Communications Personnel

Performance standards can be used to assess how well the specific results of a position are accomplished. Benefits of using performance standards include setting clear expectations for employee performance, agreeing on priorities, and fostering employee development. The objective of this project was to develop and implement performance standards to serve as guidelines for defining position responsibilities, evaluating job performance, and objectively promoting professionals in the Medical Communications Department at Immunex Corporation. To achieve this objective, necessary tasks were identified that included gathering information, preparing an outline, devising a template, identifying a task force, and then developing, writing, and implementing performance standards. In the Medical Communications Department, the development of performance standards has allowed employees to clearly understand expectations of their positions. The department has been able to assess performance objectively; in turn, the corporation has been able to evaluate performance and activities of the department.