Adobe: Building Momentum by Abandoning Annual Performance Reviews for “Check-Ins”

By Rebecca Hinds, Robert Sutton, Hayagreeva Rao
2014 | Case No. HR38 | Length 15 pgs.
In 2012, software company Adobe Systems transitioned from using annual performance reviews to a system of ongoing, flexible, “check-ins.” The check-ins involved setting and tracking expectations, ongoing feedback and coaching, and opportunities for growth. The case reviews the deficiencies in the traditional annual review system, the philosophy underlying the change, and its relationship to Adobe’s corporate strategy.

Learning Objective

This case was developed for a course on scaling change. It can be used in any course dealing with personnel, employee motivation, or related topics. It is intended to facilitate discussion of ways in which employers can effectively motivate, stimulate, and engage employees.
This material is available for download at no charge. Download