Performance appraisal systems: The need to focus on employee engagement

Abstract

Of the numerous functions of human resource management, performance appraisal (PA) is considered to play a critical role in the success of the organisation because its outcomes show the success of the realisation of other human resource functions. But, with the changes in a working context where winning the hearts and minds of employees is of paramount importance, there is a need for improved engagement of employees in the appraisal process. This study aims to ascertain whether the current appraisal process engages the employee fully. The study was conducted by two organisations in Dar es Salaam. The total sample size consisted of 50 subordinates. Interviews with key informants and questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data with the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. Results indicate that the PA tool does not fully engage employees; the focus is more on the gap between expected performance and actual performance than on employee engagement and coaching, which are fundamental in winning the hearts and minds of employees.

Keywords: Appraisal, employee engagement, performance;