An evaluation of the staff appraisal practices at the Lesotho College of Education (LCE)
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Date
2005-06
Authors
Khachane, Palo Gabriel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Performance appraisal (PA) is a management concept that is meant to
improve individual and, concomitantly, organisational performance. Although
performance appraisal systems have come under a plethora of criticism, they
continue to be a platform of human resource management and development
systems. Performance appraisals are utilised in an attempt to measure
employee performance in organisations. Oftentimes the outcomes of these
appraisals affect the employee’s retention, promotion, or salary. An effective
performance appraisal system should improve the morale, motivation, and
overall productivity of an organisation by identifying employees’ strengths and
addressing areas that need improvement.
This research study presents an investigation in as far as the evaluation of the
staff appraisal practices at the Lesotho College of Education (LCE) are
concerned.
The methodology employed in this investigation includes a literature study on
human resource management and development; performance management;
and performance appraisal in the context of higher education. An opinion
survey among academic staff was undertaken by means of semi-structured
interviews and a quantitative closed-ended questionnaire with enhancement
by means of qualitative, open-ended questions.
The results of the survey were finally interpreted in terms of four research
questions pertaining to the problem being investigated. Despite the strengths
of the staff appraisal practices identified at the LCE, there are also critical
weaknesses in the appraisal system such as poor communication between
supervisors and subordinates. The researcher therefore concluded that the
staff appraisal practices at the LCE are undoubtedly problematic in nature and
can, at best, only be partly effective.
Finally, a number of recommendations were formulated under the following
five headings: Design, Policy Formulation and Documentation of the system;
Dissemination of the system; Implementation of the system; Staff
Development; and Review of the system.
Description
Keywords
Dissertation (M.Ed. (Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2005, Human resource management and development, Performance management, Performance appraisal, Staff appraisal, Academic staff, Lesotho College of Education (LCE)