Politicisation of performance appraisal in the North West Department of health and Social Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weaknesses in performance appraisals and to determine whether it is politicised in the North West Department of Health and Social Development. If used effectively, performance appraisals may improve employee productivity and efficiency as well as motivation and performance. However, if performance appraisal is perceived as unfair and political, it can diminish rather than enhance employee attitudes and performance. The sample consisted of one hundred and ten (110) respondents that completed an already existing standard questionnaire aimed at determining politicisation in performance appraisals. Some of the results of the study showed that respondents to a large extent believed that performance appraisals are highly politicised. Among others, it is recommended that managers should consider separating assessment for development and assessment for rewards.