Development Appraisal and Psychosocial Work Environment

34, No. 6. The aim of the study was to examine the relation between ‘development appraisal ’ (DA) (a kind of ‘staff development talk ’ or ‘development discussion ’ in Sweden) and psychosocial job factors. Seven hundred and fifty four employees from one municipal district in Sweden participated in a cross-sectional study. All subjects answered a questionnaire including topics regarding demographic and employee-related variables, DA (both a realization and a qualitative dimension), and psychosocial job factors. Those who had had a DA (realization dimension) reported higher satisfaction levels in regard to social support and decision latitude, compared to those who had not had a DA. As regards the qualitative dimension of DA, the results indicate positive significant relations with all psychosocial job factors. DA as a continuing process in the organisations practical activities are discussed and further investigations are also suggested. Key words: development appraisal, appraisal talks, development discussion