Employees perceptions of performance appraisal practice at KEMRI

Abstract

KEMRI like any other organization spend billions of Shillings yearly on employee performance evaluation. Employees give their best if they perceive to be working in an environment which is not contaminated by patronage, maneuvering, when rewards are linked to performance promotions, based on merit and complaints are addressed. The study sought to determine employee‟s perception of performance appraisal practice at KEMRI. The study used a descriptive survey approach in collecting data from the respondents. Random sampling was then used to select the study population of 280 respondents who were employees of the Kenya Medical Research Institute. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaires were structured in such a way that they elicit specific information from the respondents. The data was edited and coded before it was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS). Frequency tables and charts were used to present the results for easier understanding and interpretation. The study found that appraisal process enabled the management in KEMRI to identify areas of strength and opportunity, provide an indication of areas of training need as well as direction for leadership development and performance improvement and succession planning. The appraisal process was also faulted on the basis that it failed to address the shortcomings such as lack of materials and equipment necessary to carry out duties allocated to employees effectively. It was indicated that it was too general as it should be made depending on different level of job description. The study concluded that processing performance appraisals must be done in order to identify employee‟s rewards, provide an opportunity to set individual development plan, encourage the individual work planning, develop employee‟s professional and career, accountability check, recognize and compensate, reference the disciplinary procedure as well as to determine salary increment and promotion exercise.