Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore literature on performance management in order to get insight into how the concept could be optimised during VUCA times for better performance of organisations. Research design, data and methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Extensive literature review has been conducted from various sources such as journals, research papers, organizational reports, government reports, media reports and articles available on web and effort has been made to assimilate the knowledge body on the topic in the current paper. Literature that enhances understanding on managing performance during VUCA times was reviewed. Results: Solutions to optimise performance management in organisations during VUCA times were proffered and these include innovative planning, innovative monitoring, innovative training and development, innovative rating and innovative rewarding. Conclusions: The study proves that, performance management process should not be done the ordinary way during VUCA times, but innovatively. In this regard innovative performance management can optimise performance of organisations during VUCA period. The study recommends that a further quantitative study be done to test the suitability of each of the proposed ways of innovatively practicing each element of the performance management process across different industries, countries or sector.