THE PERCEPTION OF HEALTH WORKERS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM IN THE KASSENA NANKANA WEST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION

Abstract

The general objective of thestudyisto assessthe effectivenessoftheStaff performance appraisal systeminthe Ghana HealthService usingKassena Nankana West District (KNWD) of the Upper East Region as a case study. In spite of the numerous administrative and development purposes served by performance appraisal as a component of performance management in every organisation, the HRM division of the GHS in the KNWD seldom maximizes the positive contribution this tool adds to meeting service targets. This research used a cross sectional descriptive study with a quantitative method. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Majority of the staff of GHS in the KNWD seems to have a great deal of knowledge on the appraisal system with all facilities haven an appraisal system in place with clearly outlined, understood and accepted the purpose. Despite the fact that the majority of the staff agrees that there is an appraisal system in place, they are unable to articulate as presumably how the Performance Appraisal System (PAS) affects the performance of individual staff in achieving organisational goals. Perceptions of staff concerning the effectiveness of the present performance appraisal systems of the Ghana Health service were skewed towards dissatisfaction because they lacked essential characteristics of an effective performance appraisal system. The studyconcludesthatthereisaneedfortheservicetorecognisetheiremployeeasvaluedresources and treat them as a source of competitive advantage, which have to be strategically managed to achieve improved employee performance and development as well as the effectiveness of the service. It is recommended that, the human resource division of the Ghana Health Service should organise regular and continuous training and workshops for managers and staffs on the performance appraisal system in all the facilities to remind all managers and employees about performance appraisal process, and what is expected of them.