Performance Management and Appraisal

1.0 INTRODUCTION

When it comes to the entrepreneur, people will associate it with the business. Did they know exactly what is said to "entrepreneur" ? Entrepreneur refers to a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. (www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/entrepreneur)

Among all successful entrepreneurs, Oprah Winfrey has made me admire her. It is not just about her talent, it is also about of her seriousness to achieve her dreams. Other than entrepreneur, she is also known as actress, educator, producer, philanthropist, and talk show host.

2.0 HISTORY

Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on 29 January 1954 in Kosciuscko, Mississippi. Oprah was sent to live with her grandmother for the first six years of Oprah's life. She developed a passion for reading that brought to light her oratory talent. Unfortunately, when Oprah was nine, she was traumatized by sexual abuse at the hands of her mother's relatives and friends.

Oprah then was sent to Nashville, Tennessee, to live with her father. Here, her life took a major better turn. Her father encouraged her to refocus her life and begin to concentrate on her education. Working for the school radio station, she finally found her talent in broadcasting. In her commitment to school, Oprah found success, winning awards for speech and debate and securing a college scholarship at the age of sixteen. (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey)

After graduation, she entered Tennessee State University, majoring in radio and television broadcasting. Oprah begin her career as the first black television reporter and anchor in 1973 with WJZ-TV. In 1976, Oprah moved to WJZ-TV morning talk show host of "People Are Talking" . Then, Oprah was moved to Chicago, Illinois in late 1983 to host the talk show A.M. Chicago for WLS-TV and later the show was changed to Oprah Winfrey Show in 1985.

In 1986, her talk show has expands to one hour and broadcast nationally. In this year also, Oprah had formed her own television production company called Harpo Production. In 1987, she established a private charity, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, a crusader for women and children. She has contributed millions of dollars across the globe toward education for underprivileged but decent children. Harpo Production later obtained ownership and production responsibilities for Oprah Winfrey Show in 1988.

Next, in 1993, Oprah has hosted an interview with Michael Jackson which reached an audience of one hundred million. In this year also, President Bill Clinton signed the National Child Protection Act which had been strongly supported by Oprah. Oprah also became the co-author of the book "In The Kitchen With Rosie : Oprah's Favorite Recipes by Rosie Daley and Oprah Winfrey" in 1994.

Later, formation of Oprah's Angel Network had encouraging people to make charitable contributions and volunteer work in 1997. Oprah's Angel Network has formed alliances with other nonprofit organizations and contributed millions to their efforts. Monies have been provided to Habitat for Humanity allowing volunteers to build 200 homes. Kids Can Free the Children has received enough to build thirty-four schools in ten countries. Among who contributed to Oprah's Angel Network are Amazon.com CEO Jeff Begos, and countless other celebrities. In 2002 Fortune called O, the Oprah Magazine became the most successful start-up ever in the industry. Next, Oprah's Christmas Kindness was made in 2005 to draw bring attention to the plight of young African children affected by poverty and AIDS.

In addition, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program provides scholarships to those who have a desire to give back to their communities. Reaching across borders, Oprah has partnered with South Africa Ministry of Education preparing young girls through the opportunity for schooling, building educational facilities, providing school supplies, books, libraries, clothes, teacher education and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls that formed in 2005.

Finally, Winfrey has made significant contributions toward institutions that further education, including large gifts to several historically black colleges and universities. Recipients include the United Negro College Fund, the Harold Washington Library, Chicago Academy of Arts, Chicago Public Schools, and her alma mater, Tennessee State University. (http://www.history-timelines.org.uk/people-timelines/05-oprah-winfrey-timeline.htm)

3.0 CHARACTERISTICS AND VALUES

Oprah is a positive and lively person who generally inspiring, and energizing others. However, she definitely has the tendency to overextend herself without taking the time to move on to new things before she finishes previous tasks. Oprah can burn out by being involved in too many activities. Oprah seems impelled to be always in motion, as if she were afraid if missing out on something interesting out there. (www.famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Oprah_Winfrey/Characteristics.asp)

Oprah Winfrey illustrate the concept of values-based leaders. She have achieved phenomenal success in her own right, yet she have engaged in exceptional acts of charity. She have parlayed her wealth and expertise into extraordinary acts of charity that have changed and will continue to change numerous human communities throughout the world. Oprah is not only serving others, she also are benefiting herself. (http://www.valuesbasedleadershipjournal.com/issues/vol1issue1/mccuddy.php)

Through the development of her own private philanthropic organizations, Oprah contributes her time and wealth to groups and issues that are personally relevant, including children, women, education, and the African-American community. She practices her philanthropy by her partnerships with many non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

4.0 PRODUCT / SERVICE EVOLUTION

4.1 Harpo