Bottlenecks in the Implementation of Performance Appraisal Systems in the Zambian Civil Service: Perspectives of its Implementation in the Health Sector

Samuel Nkowani, Wiseman Mupindu and Mwansa Mukalula-Kalumbi
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Samuel Nkowani: Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia
Wiseman Mupindu: Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia
Mwansa Mukalula-Kalumbi: Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2023, vol. 7, issue 5, 413-423

Abstract: In this study, an exploration was made to investigate the bottlenecks that affected the effective \implementation of the performance appraisal system in Zambia’s civil service. The study narrowed down to investigate the bottlenecks in the health sector. The study applied qualitative research method with a Case Study Design. The study comprised of 20 purposively selected health workers as the participants. The study used semi-structured interviews to generate evidence. The study found out that the implementation of the PAs had a number of bottlenecks. Most of the bottlenecks were organizational factors which greatly affected PAs implementation in the health sector. The most common bottlenecks included unavailable and unclear job descriptions, inadequate awareness on the job descriptions, and insufficient knowledge on what constitutes performance appraisals. The other bottlenecks relates to inadequate participation by the users in the design and development of the job descriptions and the various types of plans which act as the sources of targets/standards for appraisals. The study also discovered bottlenecks related to weak mechanisms for performance feedbacks, review, communication and not excluding monitoring and evaluation. The others included the lack of the standard operating procedures/guidelines besides the inadequate training and orientation on the PAs. In conclusion, it is recommended among others that: top management such as Senior Medical Superintendents, Heads of Departments and the In-Charges at Health Centres need to take charge in the implementation of the APAS by promoting, supporting and encouraging the frequent monitoring and evaluation of the APAS; there is need to buy-in the entire PA processes into duty operations at the individual and the departmental work plans in accordance with the requirements of the PMP; and all newly appointed employees should undergo intensive APAS inductions within the first quarter of their appointment.

Date: 2023
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