Effects of performance measurement system inconsistency on managers' role clarity and well-being

In this paper we explore the impact of PMS inconsistency on managerial role clarity and well-being. In addition, we investigate if problems with PMS inconsistency can be dealt with by convincing superiors to loosen their control reactions to variances, giving managers job autonomy and providing managers with support from superiors, peers and staff functions. Based on survey responses from 799 managers in one public sector organization and 187 managers in one private sector organization we conclude that PMS inconsistency has negative effects on managers' role clarity and well-being. This situation does not improve if superiors practice loose control; on the contrary, it seems to make managers' work situation worse. Job autonomy and support appear to be better coping methods since they have direct positive impacts on managers' role clarity and well-being that counteracts the negative effects of PMS inconsistency.