The Future of Performance Management in the Shift from Annual Appraisals to Continuous Feedback

Abstract

This study investigates how the Dubai Police Force transitioned from rigid, traditional annual appraisals to a dynamic, continuous-feedback performance-management system. Employing a quantitative methodology, a five-point Likert questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 100 officers who experienced this shift firsthand. Data were analyzed using SPSS to identify central tendencies, correlations, and differences in perceptions. The findings reveal a high overall adoption index (mean = 4.563), indicating strong acceptance of the new system. Officers rated the ability to set flexible, personalized goals (mean = 4.789) and participation in self-assessments and peer reviews (mean = 4.671) most favorably. Criteria emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and adaptability scored 4.634, while real-time digital tracking tools scored 4.497. Continuous feedback mechanisms, replacing year-end reviews, scored 4.224, confirming broad support despite being the lowest-ranked item. Thematic analysis shows that immediate feedback reduces error accumulation, fosters continuous learning, and strengthens organizational commitment. A significant positive correlation was found between feedback frequency and job satisfaction, especially in dynamic operational environments. Continuous, two-way dialogue accelerates decision-making, enhances organizational agility, and improves the quality of managerial decisions by providing up-to-date performance data. While implementation challenges arise from traditional hierarchical cultures, pilot phases, digital platform integration, and leadership coaching mindsets can mitigate resistance. The study concludes that paragraph-based narrative evaluations, supported by smart digital tools, create a human-centered performance-management paradigm that aligns individual and institutional objectives, ultimately enhancing officer engagement, productivity, and strategic agility in security settings.