Towards an implementation strategy for senior manager performance management and development in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport in the North West Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the implementation of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for the Senior Management Service (SMS) members in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) in the North West Province. A mixed method research approach comprising a structured questionnaire and literature review as instruments for data collection, was used to produce a detailed understanding of the topic. The findings of this study revealed the following: ● The results (83%) show that the PMDS is not effectively and properly implemented in this Department. The suggestion is made that there should be a proper and effective alignment of the strategic plan with the Departmental goals and objectives during the implementation phase, supported by a thorough assessment and evaluation of the entire PMDS process to determine the challenges that need corrective action. ● The findings of the study show that Performance Agreements (PAs) are not always signed on time. This implies that every SMS member should be engaged, involved and made aware of the importance of this aspect in the PMDS process. ● The outcome of this study further reveals that a substantial number of SMS members have not been trained in the implementation of the PMDS process. This suggests that all SMS members should be engaged through training to ensure that the department has the skills required to achieve departmental goals. ● Lastly, the findings indicate that only a minority of the SMS members are not assessed of their performance and do not receive feedback on time. The study suggests that employees should be given feedback on their performance in order to know if they are doing what is expected of them and if they are reaching their set targets. The study recommends that employees should be provided with meaningful engagement in order to eliminate or minimise challenges/obstacles identified in the implementation of PMDS process in aligning it with the abovementioned findings.