The use of performance appraisal systems for employees is far from new. It has been recognised
that performance has to be managed in order for the organisation or government department to
meet its goal effectively. The main objective of this system is to ensure that all employees or
jobholders know and understand what is expected of them. It also includes managing poor or
unacceptable performance by giving guidance where needed, while still recognising and
awarding outstanding performance. However, do employees have a clear understanding of and
information about the system and do they real benefit from the system?
The researcher conducted this study in order to explore the perceptions of employees with regard
to the effectiveness of the performance appraisal system within the Department of Social
Development in two districts. Its aim was to make recommendations for improving the system in
relation to the most important themes or aspects that the employees (appraisers and appraisees)
have highlighted.
The proposed research project adopted a qualitative research approach and was exploratory in
nature. A multiple case study research design was used. Participants consisted of employees of
the Department of Social Development from two districts in the Free State who are appraisers
and appraisees. Purposive sampling, which is a type of non-probability sampling, was used to
select appraisers, while convenience sampling was used to select appraisees. A semi-structured
interview schedule was used in one-to-one interviews to explore issues and gather information.
The main findings of the study are that Social Development employees understand the
importance of implementing a performance appraisal system in the workplace. They revealed
that they still want the system to continue in the Department. However, their main concern is the
practical implementation of the system, and they reported that it needs to be improved. They
have suggested many areas that need to be improved in order for the system to be more effective
and to achieve its main purpose within the Department.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/11557 |
| Date | 21 June 2012 |
| Creators | Sekese, Nkeletseng Mamaraisane |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
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