An evaluation of the effectiveness of a performance management system towards employee performance in a local authority: The case of City of Harare from 2009 to 2013

Abstract

The research evaluated the effectiveness of a performance management system in enhancing employee performance in a Local Authority (LA) using the City of Harare from 2009 to 2013 as a case study. The objectives of the study were to determine the performance management system used in Harare Municipality, to examine options available for the organisation to improve employee recognition and reward, to establish strategies the organisation should adopt to promote employee loyalty and satisfaction, to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback methods in the Harare municipality performance management system and to draw conclusions and make recommendations to Harare City Municipality regarding its performance management system. The methodology employed includes document analysis, open-ended questions and face to face interviews. The sample was then selected from each spectrum using systematic, stratified and purposive sampling and a total of one hundred (100) general staff and managers obtained to respond to questionnaires with closed questions. Ten (10) directors were selected for interviews using census sampling technique. The research concluded that there was a performance management system in place called Results Based Management at Harare Municipality. The research findings also concluded that the system was not properly adopted by the organisation to maximise on employee performance. There was no linkage between performance and rewards. That is turn affected employee morale and job satisfaction. The researcher recommended that Harare Municipality management should review performance regularly to ensure achievement of results. The researcher also recommended training of senior managers so that they can be able to implement the performance management system effectively. Salaries and benefits were also recommended to be linked to performance in addition to the system being monitored and reviewed from time to time.