The measurement and evaluation of white-collar productivity

Critical analysis of previously developed white-collar productivity management techniques focuses on the existing shortcomings of several measurement and evaluation methodologies of white-collar personnel and functions. An analytical method of defining and measuring various pertinent characteristics of both routine and non-routine white-collar jobs helps in the development of a more suitable productivity management methodology. A systematic procedure is described for the measurement and evaluation of white-collar productivity for an individual, a group of individuals or a department. The recommended measures, viz, operations-based productivity measures for routine and non-routine jobs, explain in detail the relationship of different white-collar job characteristics and individual and group productivity at the middle management level. A case example is cited which illustrates the proposed approach. The advantages, along with some limitations, of the methodology are also highlighted.