Hello friends

What do you think the promotion policy should be? The basis for promotion be seniority or merit?

Thanks

rehaan

Dear rehaan, seniority is applied on the governmental offices and the army forces where you kill the promising young lads by letting them wait the turn so clearly you advise them not to show any innovation or intiation so the best is merit...Thanks

Your understanding does not appear to be based on full facts. In government services, there is a concept of selection grade after which merit counts significantly. In armed forces, there is also a dictum- shape up or ship out. If people are not good enough, they are retired early. Armed forces have a very vigorous system of recognizing merit. Even where merit is main criterion, there is a concept of zone of consideration. For example, you will come across ads saying that the candidate should have, say 10 years of relevant experience. Why?

The best system may be a mix, depending upon organization requirements

Rehaan,

There is no specific criteria for Promotion Policy. But in practice the HR Professional usually devise the Promotion Policy based on the ratio of 80:20 viz. 80% merit and 20% seniority.

Buecause if you promote on the basis of seniority the quality of work could not be maintained as everyone knew that after a certain period of time he/she will be promotion to the next cadre.

But if a Promotion Policy based on the Merit it will be more fruitful.

But this Policy should have some room for the senior staff members who worked hard but due to some short-fall viz. less qualification etc. should also be considered for promotion.

tara

Hi Rehan,

Promotion ought to be based on sustained performance and potential. As promotion means performing at a level higher than the current one, the incumbent needs to have the ability to perform at a higher level, i.e., potential. Meanwhile, he also needs to have demonstrated track record of sustained performance in his current level. It's risky for a business to consider promotion for someone who couldn't demonstrate good performance in his current role. What's the guarantee that he'll perform well once he's promoted? So, sustained performance in current role with demonstrations of potentials to performed at higher/enriched role should be criteria for promotion.

Thanks,
wilfred