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Local Officials Baffled by Job Appraisals

Honesty Outlook January 10, 2024

By NewsChina Updated Apr.1

Relying too much on key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate local government officials is overly specific, arbitrary and too complex to assess their genuine efforts. The hard work they devote to local development and social welfare is less valued than the information in the KPI forms submitted to higher departments. On-site evaluation is overlooked in favor of lengthy box ticking exercises. Some puzzled officials even wrestle with the need to accurately forecast the monthly mortality and cremation rate to avoid losing KPI points. At more than 100 pages, the evaluation forms significantly influence local officials’ performance pay, especially those from developed coastal areas. These reports may not accurately reflect the true situation, as many officials feel their superiors prioritize KPI manipulation over addressing practical issues.
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