Mismatch in Performance Appraisals: Actions from Last Year are Rewarded/Punished This Year

Mismatch in Performance Appraisals: Actions from Last Year are Rewarded/Punished This Year

It has always been my concern that the traditional way of determining the compensation of an employee is on the basis (almost always) of what he has done in the past (good or bad) and not so much (if at all its considered), what he is capable of (or will be) doing for the next period.
During appraisal season, I have often grappled with the dilemma of "punishing" an employee for mistakes committed in the past year (and for which he has learned from), reflecting it his appraisal. Which eventually directly affects his supposed annual increase (or lack thereof).
My argument is that when the employee has clearly learned his lesson and will not likely succumb to the same mistakes, he should not be made to carry that mistake into his future take home pays, for an entire period, for he has learned his lessons about it. Our HR Director has often disagreed with me on this matter. It seems that I am a lonely voice coming from this perspective. Please share your thoughts.

		Trevor Akpomughe Communication, Nigeria
	Actions Yesterday. Rewarded / Punished This Year I disagree with your opinion. So what is the conse (...)

		Joseph Sghendo Director, Malta
	A Case of Mismatch: Actions Yesterday. Rewarded/punished This Year Is there anyone on this planet that does not make (...)

		Hans Joergen Pedersen
	A Case of Mismatch: Actions Yesterday / Punished This Year. An interesting way of putting it.. I take, you con (...)

		Dilip Khanal CEO, Nepal
	Present is Important Rommel, you are not alone. Microsoft also consider (...)

		Reginald Mathe Mazibuko Director, South Africa
	A Case of Mismatch I agree with your opinion. Performance appraisals (...)