| dc.description.abstract | The public sector in most countries is going through profound restructuring in the face of
environmental constraints that force the sector to undertake reforms to be efficient and effective.
In this respect, one of the most popular tools used in the contemporary reform programme is
Performance Contracts which have emphasized application of performance appraisal systems as
a requirement of PC. However, since appraisal is a controversial management practice anywhere,
the successful institutionalization of such a system faces numerous challenges and obstacles.
The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges Managers face in the application of
Performance Appraisal results at the University of Nairobi.
The study revealed that the managers face numerous challenges in the application of
performance appraisal results, which include lack of management support, lack of proper
understanding of the Performance Appraisal Instrument by both the appraisers and those to be
appraised among others. Furthermore, having supportive leaders at the organizational level,
provision of valuable rewards and extensive training were also considered important
prerequisites that are necessary for creating a professional public institution. These challenges
have resulted in unfavourable climate for fruitful application of performance appraisal results.
The study further established that there is lack of initiative to implement results of the appraisal,
making the exercise less effective as a Performance management tool. It was also established
that both employees and their appraisers lack proper understanding of what PA really entails thus
resulting in their failure to embrace PA as a Performance Management tool. To address these,
there is need to sensitize all cadre of staff at the University of Nairobi on the importance of PA
as a performance management tool. The sensitization can be through training, workshops,
seminars and even departmental meetings. The University of Nairobi management should
borrow a leaf from the private sector on how to manage the PA exercise, giving it the seriousness
that it deserved. This will ensure that the exercise have a well laid down procedure and a time
frame for all the processes that need to be put in place in order to have an effective performance
Management tool. | en_US |
