A survey of performance measures used in public universities in Kenya

Abstract

Public Universities have several characteristics In common that affect the way performance measurements are designed and used. These characteristics include high dependency on exchequer for funding, dynamic service environment, and complicated intellectual work at all levels and the intellectual capital as the most important asset. The objective of this research was to discuss the key performance measures used in public universities in Kenya and the problems encountered in implementing the nontraditional performance measures that were re-emphasized after the introduction of performance contracts in the public universities some one year ago. The research includes a review of some latest literature on perfonnance measurement in public universities. It also contains a description of an empirical study intended to analyze the commonly applicable measures that have directly contribution to their competitive position. The empirical study consisted of two focused questionnaires to each of the six public universities that were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings of this survey showed that performance measures are widespread in the public universities. They indicated that while some universities are giving a preference to a given measure, they are reluctant to discuss its disadvantages or highlight situations under which it may not be appropriate. However, the biggest pointer in this research is that the public universities still use the traditional performance measures more often than the non-traditional ones. The major concern is how they have been balancing the demands of autonomy, accountability, expansion, excellence, diversification, internationalization and indigenization in the face of liberalization and privatization. The findings also indicated that while research has been a basis of fulfillment of university mission, there is an increasing threat in the public universities due to lack of resources and limited applicability to societal needs.