Company and employee performance is suffering as the majority of human resources (HR) managers in the UK are unaware of the goals set for their manager or colleagues, according to a survey by SuccessFactors.

The study showed that two-thirds of HR managers do not know what goals their fellow employees are aiming for, meaning it is difficult to see how the efforts of individual employees impact on overall company alignment.

Andrew Mayo, professor of human capital management at Middlesex University Business School, described a "lack of alignment" as one of the main factors impeding the success of employees.

Professor Mayo commented: "Effective performance systems need to be designed like a building – with floors and pillars connecting with and supporting each other. In the same way goals need to be vertically and horizontally integrated."

According to Gartner, almost eight out of ten companies have saved money by outsourcing their HR departments, the Times reports.