Evan stared at his team’s quarterly results, frustrated by the disconnect between individual talent and collective output. Projects dragged on, communication breakdowns were frequent and employee engagement scores remained stagnant. Like many managers, he recognized that the solution lies in developing management expertise that can systematically improve workplace performance.
The Youngstown State University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Management online program addresses this need by preparing future leaders with evidence-based strategies for optimizing workplace performance. This flexible degree program equips graduates with foundational skills to succeed in the business roles they aspire to and help their future coworkers be the best they can be.
Core Management Principles That Improve Performance
Effective performance management begins with establishing objectives that connect individual contributions to organizational success. According to Gartner research, when employee goals align with both organizational and individual needs, performance increases by up to 22%. Alignment around the SMART framework ensures every team member understands what they need to accomplish and why their work matters:
- Specific: Clear definitions
- Measurable: Quantifiable metrics
- Achievable: Realistic targets
- Relevant: Connected to business priorities
- Time-bound: Defined deadlines
The Managing Individuals in Organizations course explores how individual and group decision-making impacts human resource processes. Students learn to analyze behavioral factors that influence performance while developing practical skills in motivation and perception management. This enables them to create environments where clear expectations naturally lead to improved outcomes.
Effective Communication Increases Collaboration and Efficiency
High-performing organizations incentivize workforce collaboration, resulting in measurable outcomes. When employees work together effectively, they solve problems faster, share knowledge more freely and generate more innovative solutions. Cross-functional collaboration amplifies these benefits by bringing diverse perspectives and skills to complex challenges:
- Accelerated problem-solving through combined expertise and varied approaches
- Reduced duplication of effort by coordinating activities across departments
- Enhanced innovation from the intersection of different professional backgrounds
- Increased employee engagement through meaningful relations and shared purpose
However, collaboration requires structure to avoid time-consuming “collaboration overload,” and to ensure that individuals feel comfortable expressing ideas, admitting mistakes and asking for help. Strong manager-employee relationships lay the foundation for both effective collaboration and performance management, as these connections help managers understand how to coach and work with employees effectively.
The Leadership in Business and Society course prepares students to foster a collaborative culture by examining the impact of management on individual behavior and organizational performance. The course provides frameworks for understanding how leadership styles influence team dynamics and collaboration.
Data-driven Decision-Making Transforms Performance Management
Organizations that embrace data-driven approaches gain significant advantages in accuracy, fairness and strategic alignment. Data-driven performance management eliminates bias while providing actionable insights, using these principles:
- Objective evaluation criteria
- Personalized development programs
- Proactive problem identification
- Strategic resource allocation
Advanced analytics platforms enable real-time performance monitoring rather than relying on outdated annual reviews. These systems identify patterns, predict potential challenges and recommend interventions that keep performance on track. The most sophisticated organizations use people analytics for strategic workforce planning, identifying skill gaps, predicting turnover risks and optimizing team compositions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) integrates massive volumes of this data from numerous sources. According to the BetterWorks 2025 Global HR Research Report, when AI is used in performance management, 89% of employees report high satisfaction, compared to only 40% of employees without AI-enabled performance management tools.
Building a Culture of Continuous Growth
The shift from annual performance reviews to continuous feedback has been one of the most significant changes in modern performance management. According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 94% of employees prefer real-time feedback over formal reviews, and organizations with continuous feedback cultures experience 15% lower turnover rates.
Continuous performance management creates opportunities for immediate course correction and ongoing skill development. Rather than waiting months to address problems, managers provide timely guidance that prevents minor issues from becoming major obstacles. This approach enables employees to make incremental improvements that compound over time.
Employee development extends beyond traditional training to include mentoring, stretch assignments and cross-functional projects. According to SHRM, three-fourths of employees consider mentoring vital for career development, and organizations with strong coaching cultures experience 51% higher productivity.
The most effective performance cultures recognize that employee motivations have evolved. Younger generations seek purpose and meaning in their work, wanting to understand how their contributions create positive impact beyond financial metrics. Systems that connect individual roles to the broader organizational mission generate higher engagement and retention rates.
Preparing Leaders for Performance Excellence
Effective performance management requires a sophisticated understanding of human behavior, organizational systems and data-driven decision-making. It demands leaders who can set clear expectations, foster collaborative environments, leverage technology for objective insights and create cultures where continuous improvement becomes second nature.
Youngstown State University’s comprehensive program emphasizes practical leadership skills and strategic thinking. The online BS in Business Administration in Management develops graduates who are prepared to analyze complex organizational challenges, lead diverse teams and implement performance management strategies that drive measurable results across management roles.
Learn more about the Youngstown State University BSBA in Management online program.
