About the major trends in performance management. Let's evaluate each option:

The question asks about the major trends in performance management. Let's evaluate each option:

• a) Performance management should be conducted more continually rather than relying on annual or semi-annual appraisals. Ongoing performance conversations are considered more beneficial. This statement accurately reflects a significant modern trend in performance management, moving away from infrequent, formal reviews towards continuous feedback and development.

• b) Research supports the idea that annual performance appraisals are the most effective approach for performance management. This is incorrect. Current research and practice generally advocate for more frequent and continuous feedback over traditional annual appraisals.

• c) The notion that employees need to be involved in setting their own targets is not supported by research. This is incorrect. Research strongly supports that employee involvement in goal setting increases motivation and engagement.

• d) According to research, employees who are involved in setting their own performance targets show higher levels of motivation and engagement. This statement is correct and describes a positive trend in performance management, emphasizing employee empowerment and engagement.

• e) Performance management encompasses various factors and techniques. One positive example is the adoption of a strengths-based approach, where individuals focus on identifying and replicating their strengths. This statement is also correct and describes another modern trend in performance management, focusing on leveraging individual strengths for development.

While options (d) and (e) also describe valid trends, option (a) represents a more fundamental and overarching shift in the process of performance management itself – moving from a periodic event to a continuous dialogue. This is widely considered one of the most significant major trends.

Therefore, the most fitting answer describing a major trend is:

a) Performance management should be conducted more continually rather than relying on annual or semi-annual appraisals. Ongoing performance conversations are considered more beneficial.