Read the text below and answer the questions

These Things Are a Pain

The dreaded end of year appraisal is upon us! Linda exclaimed. Like all employees in her organization, Linda was asked to fill out an appraisal form and submit it to the HR department. Lindas immediate supervisor was heard saying, Here we go again, the paper pushing session! All employees were required to look back and reflect on the tasks they did during the year, making sure that all value-added activities were documented and accounted for in the appraisal forms. Lindas boss, Irene, had hinted that it seemed like a hassle to appraise her subordinates. The appraisal assessed employees on different criteria, including whether their goals are in line with the companys core values. Other criteria included efforts to improve teaching performance, participation in student and college activities, research, and personal attributes. As Linda was a new lecturer in a private university in Malaysia, she felt nervous. She had undergone the mid-year appraisal and had a negative experience from it. As she filled in the appraisal form she wondered whether she had met all the targets set out for her. Have I improved in the areas I was told I was weak in? she thought. Indeed, thinking back to the midyear performance review Irene had mentioned a few areas of weaknesses. Among them was the need to remain alert about her students performance and to improve her teaching performance and classroom management. Linda felt that each of these criteria required a different measurement tool. Linda put down that during the semester she had frequent discussions with her peers as an effort to improve her teaching performance. Linda thought about how would this could be measured in the appraisal session. Most of the discussions with her peers seemed to be about problematic students and an activity that was done to improve the performance of students. Classroom management seemed more quantifiable. In her mind, the mix of students differs from semester to semester and it so happened that during her mid-year review, she had a class of rowdy students who presented some problems to her. These problems ranged from poor attendance to nonsubmission of work. Being new, Linda felt that there were some instances where she had underperformed. As she was filling in the appraisal form, she realised that she hadnt participated in many college activities and had not undertaken much research. Linda turned to her colleague, Paul, who had just finished his appraisal session. How did it go? she asked. Paul replied, Thank god thats over. Irenes not in the best of moods. I hope that it doesnt affect my appraisal. Linda said, Mines tomorrow. Paul replied, Well, good luck with it.

Question 2

There is a need for businesses to transfer knowledge from the baby-boomers who are retiring over the next decade or so to the millennials, who bring different talents and expectations. Analyse how an organization can build a collaborative, knowledge sharing environment that supports both groups of employees.