Out of Sight, Out of Mind:The Case of Missed Appraisal

Dr. Reema Sinha joined Erudite University, Bilaspur, as Lecturer in Marketing in July 1999. She was Doctorate in Consumer Behavior from Delhi University and had 10 years of experience in academics. During probation period, she worked with full dedication and enthusiasm. Surprisingly, she was promoted as Senior Lecturer in February 2000. She proceeded on maternity leave in 2003 for six months. In 2004, she waited for her increment which was due in February but the wait got endless. After 7 months of waiting, she decided to write a letter to Mr. Khan, Director HR. She wrote that her increment has been missed and he should look into it. She waited for his response but it never came. After great persual, she could meet Mr. Khan. He told her when she was on maternity leave there was revision of HR policies. Employees who had availed maternity leave were not being entitled for annual increment. Besides, he insisted that she has fast track promotion therefore, she should not expect it. Dr. Reema was surprised, as she was never informed about these two conditions. First, she will not be entitled for annual increment if she avails maternity leave. Second, she would not be given increment, if she had fast track promotion. Moreover, in the 2004, another colleague of her got increment despite availing Maternity leave. This disparity came as a rude shock to her. Upset with what has transpired between her and Director HR. Further being witness to her colleagues who had availed a year maternity leave and another who availed seven months leave getting annual increment added to her injury. She decided to write to higher authorities. The case got reopened. Director HR could not provide any substantial justification for increments that were given in rest three cases. He shifted the entire blame on Director of the institute for not initiating the appraisal process. Dr. Reema again mailed to HR Director but she never got the response.