What is a performance development plan (PDP) and what should it include?

What is a performance development plan (PDP) and what should it include?

• A. A plan linking performance gaps to development actions—include goals, specific activities, resources, timelines, and success criteria.
• B. A plan for disciplinary actions to increase performance.
• C. A plan to reduce workforce size.
• D. A plan to alter job titles.

Answer: (A)

A PDP is a practical plan designed to close performance gaps by turning what needs to improve into a clear, actionable path. It ties specific development actions directly to identified performance shortfalls, making the path to improvement concrete and doable. The plan should include: clear development goals that address the gaps, specific activities or learning actions (such as training, coaching, or on-the-job projects), the resources needed (time, budget, mentors, tools), a realistic timeline with milestones, and measurable criteria to determine when progress is achieved. This collaborative, structured approach keeps progress visible and accountability shared between the employee and manager. Actions like disciplinary steps, reducing headcount, or changing job titles aren’t PDP components; they’re separate HR processes with different purposes.

A PDP is a practical plan designed to close performance gaps by turning what needs to improve into a clear, actionable path. It ties specific development actions directly to identified performance shortfalls, making the path to improvement concrete and doable. The plan should include: clear development goals that address the gaps, specific activities or learning actions (such as training, coaching, or on-the-job projects), the resources needed (time, budget, mentors, tools), a realistic timeline with milestones, and measurable criteria to determine when progress is achieved. This collaborative, structured approach keeps progress visible and accountability shared between the employee and manager. Actions like disciplinary steps, reducing headcount, or changing job titles aren’t PDP components; they’re separate HR processes with different purposes.